Why Arsenal May Struggle To Win The Premier League Without Walcott

Some may point to karma, but when Theo Walcott gave a cheeky gesture towards the away end at Tottenham this weekend as he was stretchered off, the forward couldn't have anticipated that he would be ruled out for the rest of the season and miss the World Cup. The news must have been devastating for Walcott, but I am sure there are plenty of Arsenal fans who share his pain as I can't be alone in thinking that his absence could cause Arsenal to blow their title challenge.

 Walcott gives the Gunners something that they don't currently have a huge amount of - pace. While Santi Cazorla and Mesut Ozil pull the attacking strings with the knowledge that their defensive colleagues will protect them, Olivier Giroud isn't the quickest player in the league and he often drifts to the ball to help spark the attack.

That's where Arsenal need Walcott to burst down the wing past them to firstly give them a plan B, and secondly to drag the defenders away from those with the ball.

Walcott's positioning and movement off the ball is also exquisite. The way he sits on the shoulder of defenders and pulls them apart with ease is fantastic to watch and they will need to add another striker to their squad in my opinion.

Walcott has played 13 Premier League games this season and scored five goals another in the cup, but he has also created plenty for his team-mates. He has played 23 key passes, claimed four assists and has a pass completion rate of 81% - which is quite remarkable for a forward.

Both Arsenal and England are going to miss his presence, and I for one wish him a speedy recovery.