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29th Sep 2016

Watch: Roy Keane speaks undiluted sense when discussing Theo Walcott’s form

"Listen he's had a good week. The guy needs to relax"

Robert Redmond

Roy Keane wants everyone to calm down regarding Theo Walcott and Arsenal’s recent good form.

Walcott has experienced something of a purple patch recently, establishing himself in the starting XI, scoring goals and working hard for the team.

The winger scored a brace in Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Basel on Wednesday night, to add to his three goals in six Premier League appearances this season.

There’s talk of a new, matured Walcott, with the player earning plaudits for his impressive form. However, we shouldn’t get too carried away.

One media outlet even claimed that Walcott and Alexis Sanchez “can be Arsenal’s greatest strike combination.” Bear in mind this is a club that once had Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp up front, and the current Arsenal side just beat a Swiss side in a routine Champions League win.

And this is still Walcott, the longest-serving member of Arsenal’s squad who has arguably never convinced at the top level. A streaky player, unsure of his best position who, at times, looks like a 100m sprinter who wandered into a game of football.

Yes, he’s currently playing well and therefore deserves some praise, but we can’t forget the bigger picture. Keane certainly isn’t.

“It’s took him a while to get settled,” the Republic of Ireland assistant manager said on ITV on Wednesday night, referring to Walcott’s 10 years at the club.

“Listen he’s had a good week. The guy needs to relax. Try to play well for the next seven or eight months.”

We couldn’t agree more, Roy.


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