Theodona?
Thursday, April 10th, 2008The Sun newspaper are calling Theo Walcott ‘Theodona’ after his amazing run tore apart Liverpool to create Arsenal’s second goal on the night.
The full article can be read here
The Sun newspaper are calling Theo Walcott ‘Theodona’ after his amazing run tore apart Liverpool to create Arsenal’s second goal on the night.
The full article can be read here
Little Theo Walcott, a nation turns its lonely eyes to you. The Englishman in the most lustrous attacking football team in the country finally got his chance to sparkle last night and his two goals gave English football something it could cling to. As the national team prepares to enter a long, dark winter of the soul, any fragile hope will do.
“At times it was a joy to watch,” Arsène Wenger said although he was not just talking about Walcott but the whole Arsenal attacking ensemble that swept past Slavia Prague on seven occasions. This team of Wenger’s have been accused of trying to walk the ball into the net at times and, for the seventh goal from substitute Nicklas Bendtner, they did exactly that. It was gripping stuff with Walcott at the heart of it.
The 18-year-old was only denied a hat-trick by a despairing save from Martin Vaniak in the 81st minute, but that was just about all the Slavia goalkeeper stopped. The seven-goal margin equalled the biggest-ever victory in the Champions League and for Walcott it was a night that he will never forget. Wenger agreed there was “a touch of Thierry Henry” about Walcott’s second goal, although that particular old boy does not seem to be missed one bit.
From The Independent
Theo Walcott put in a fine display as Arsenal ran out 3-0 winners on the night against Sparta Prague (5-0 agg)
Theo produced a fine run and perfect delivery for Tomas Rosicky to open the scoring for Arsenal, late goals from Fabregas and Da Silva completed the victory for Arsenal.
The Arsenal boss said: “Theo had a good first half. He can be decisive. He’s very direct, quick, is a good crosser and finishes well.
“He’s improving his link play and is more aggressive. When he uses all the assets he has he will be dangerous for everybody.
“Once he plays through the middle he will make good runs and get behind defenders.
“Close to the line you need better technique and his greatest quality will be the runs he makes behind defenders.
“In the future he’ll be used more as a central striker. He can make a difference for England because there are not many strikers in this country who have his qualities or pace.
“If a defender is one yard behind him Theo will never get caught. He makes good runs along the line of the defence and he will be able to use that more when he plays through the middle.
“But it’s good for him to learn the job on the flanks. All the young players can show their top quality in the Champions League.”
According to Theo Walcott, Sparta Prague are the toughest test Arsenal could have been handed at this stage of the Champions League.
The 18-year-old is itching to be part of the starting XI this evening as Arsène Wenger’s team take on the Czech ‘double’ winners in the third qualifying round first leg. But, if selected, he will not be taking the hosts lightly.
“It will be an interesting game against Sparta Prague,” he said. “For me, they are just about the most difficult team we could face at this stage. But if you want to win it, you have to beat all the top teams anyway.
“The win over Fulham has set us up for it and the confidence is really high going into the game.”
Walcott had an important cameo role on Sunday as Arsenal roared back to win the season’s opener at Emirates Stadium and he is well aware Wenger is without three midfielders and two strikers for a crucial tie.
“It’s up to the boss of course,” he said. “But I don’t mind where I play - right, left or up front. It’s unlucky for those players who are out. It’s really bad timing because we had a great pre-season and after all that hard work they have a set-back and then have to catch-up. I’m sure they will be back soon though.”
taken from Arsenal.com