Arsenal Reaping Benefits of Theo Walcott’s Superb Transformation

When Theo Walcott scores a header, you know he’s on top of his game. In 10 years with Arsenal, the sprightly winger has only managed two headed goals, but the manner in which he nodded home against Basel suggested a player brimming with confidence. Walcott, who appeared to be headed for Arsenal’s exit door at the start of the summer, is a player transformed.

Arsenal have undergone something of a reinvention, too. After the opening-day defeat to Liverpool, there were understandable fears about how the team might fare in Arsene Wenger’s 20th season. However, they have responded to that initial setback remarkably well.

The Gunners are now unbeaten in eight, and this win over Basel leaves them top of their Champions League group and on course to pip Paris Saint-Germain to that crucial top spot.

Against Basel, they were irresistible. Buoyed by the confidence gained in the 3-0 win over Chelsea, Arsenal attacked the Swiss side with real vigour from the first minute. Arguably the only thing slightly lacking from their game was truly clinical finishing. Had the Gunners been ruthless, they could have scored several more goals. 

No matter—they did more than enough to win the game, and when Basel did occasionally threaten, the likes of Shkodran Mustafi and David Ospina were on alert to protect their goal.

Comforting though Arsenal’s defensive solidity was, it was their attacking play that really caught the eye. For the first time in months—perhaps years—Arsenal played with the sort of elan and style that is traditionally associated with a Wenger side.

The truth is that Arsenal’s reputation for flowing football has not been particularly earned in recent seasons—with Olivier Giroud up front, their attacking threat had become troublingly predictable. However, the Gunners have discovered a new attacking formula that has enlivened their entire team. Suddenly, the Emirates Stadium feels like an exciting place to watch football once again. 

Walcott has been key to that shift. His importance to the team comes as a real surprise given that he endured a disastrous 2015/16 campaign. 

Last season, Wenger fulfilled the player’s long-held …

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