Arsenal: Get Walcott signed up to that contract now (Video)

Tuesday night showcased one the most spectacular games of football, fans have been treated to in recent memory. The Capital One Cup encounter between Premiership duo Reading and Arsenal saw the hosts run into an early 4-0 lead, before the Gunners levelled with the last kick of normal time.

The North London side went on to take the encounter 7-5 after extra time, dashing Royals fans hopes of a fourth round upset. Nevertheless, it was the performance of winger Theo Walcott that would’ve encouraged manager Arsene Wenger.

The England international was in rampant form against a Reading side that have already conceded 17 goals this season. Regardless of the hosts’ inability to keep a clean sheet, it was certainly a promising performance from Walcott, who netted twice in the thriller at the Madejski Stadium, his goal late in normal time given to defender Carl Jenkinson.

As many are fully aware, Walcott has been stalling over a new Gunners deal for some time now, with reports suggesting that both Chelsea and Juventus were keen to bring in the wideman. The 23-year-old is adamant that he wants to play in a more central position before committing to a new long-term deal.

Wenger gave him the opportunity to play in the role on Tuesday night and, as witnessed last night, he didn’t disappoint. It was an encounter in which Walcott thrived and Arsenal fans are now hopeful that the England star will agree to sign on the dotted line sooner rather than later, especially if he can turn in more performances like that against Reading. 

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Comments

[marcus]

As a gooner, I am relieved we got the points. However, there are a lot of things I would like to discuss. First and foremost, Djourou should be on the 'for sale' list in January. It is obvious he will never be of the standard required to play for arsenal. Making him captain was an even worse decision. Our defense in general was non existent, but I think he was at the center of it. Secondly, Frimpong isn't the player everyone thinks he is. His misplaced passes and ineptitude in general show that he still has a lot to learn. He could benefit from a loan elsewhere. Then there is Olivier Giroud. If there's one thing his goal showed us, it is that the first team clearly do not know how to get the best out of him. His header was sublime, top quality. He clearly lacks the kind of aerial service that would see him on the score sheet more often. It is because in our starting 11, there aren't any good crossers except cazorla who plays centrally so doesn't really get into good crossing positions. Arsene should work with the team on that. Finally, there's Theo Walcott. That boy is by far the best finisher we have (save for maybe poldi). I still don't get why arsene denies him his opportunity up front when he is currently our top scorer. He is a much better striker than gervinho. He can, and given the chance, will be our 25+ goal a season striker. His pace, movement, composure and finishing are superb to say the least. He has greatly improved his first touch and ball control to the point where he doesn't need two chances to score. All this compounded with the fact that he scores from all angles in front of goal leave me bewildered when Arsene would rather start Gervinho there and deny Walcott his chance. I hope his hat trick knocked some sense into arsene's head and we will see him as our front man in games to come.