Former Liverpool Boss Highlights Arsenal's Walcott Absense - Why I Agree

Arsenal's season has been in turmoil ever since the month of January ticked into February. They have been on a bad run of form and only the FA Cup has kept Arsenal fans from hanging to club by the noose.

In addition to this misery, they have lost key players along the way. Aaron Ramsey and Theo Walcott were the first go as they pulled up in mid-January. Jack Wilshere hobbled off in England's last international match and hasn't been seen since. Mesut Ozil and Laurent Koscielny added to the growing list.

TheSportReview have reported the comments made by Gerard Houllier regarding Theo Walcott being the greatest loss to the Gunners' season.

I have to agree with the former Liverpool boss because Walcott was such an influential player that had undeserved critics.

Five goals and five assists in 13 Premier League is a great to stat to back up my point about him being the most influential Arsenal player.

Yes there is Ramsey that can be considered, of course he is, but we have midfielders that can play in his position and put in a good shift. Jack Wilshere, Tomas Rosicky, Mikel Arteta and Santi Cazorla could all deputise for him in his absence. Even Mesut Ozil played there at one point.

I think with Walcott, no one could really replace him as he was a unique player in the team. His pace, movement and desire to run behind the defenders is the reason why he contributed so much to the team in such a short amount of time. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain can replace him but Wenger has preferred to play him in the middle rather than out wide. This has limited the pace of the team and the Gunners have suffered as a consequence.