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Former Arsenal star reveals what should worry fans about Arteta’s current Arsenal side

Former Arsenal star Theo Walcott has expressed concerns about the current Arsenal squad, highlighting what he sees as a worrying shift in their style of play. Walcott, who spent over a decade at the club and was part of many memorable attacking moments, feels that Arsenal are losing touch with their iconic brand of free-flowing, creative football.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Walcott shared his thoughts on Arsenal’s recent reliance on set-pieces as a primary source of goals. “With Arsenal, at this moment in time, what worries me is they’re getting excited by set-pieces all the time, instead of that free-flowing football — that’s what Arsenal is known for, they’re shying away from it,” he said.
Walcott’s comments come at a time when Arsenal are competing at the highest levels in the Premier League and other competitions. Under Mikel Arteta, the Gunners have grown into a tactically disciplined and defensively solid side, but Walcott believes this evolution might have come at the expense of the attacking flair that defined Arsenal’s identity for decades.
A Change in Philosophy
Arsenal’s shift toward a more structured and pragmatic approach under Arteta has been clear. The manager has emphasized defensive stability and efficiency in front of goal, leading to significant improvements in Arsenal’s results. However, this has also meant a reduced focus on the free-flowing, quick-passing style that was synonymous with Arsène Wenger’s teams during Walcott’s time at the club.
Set-pieces, in particular, have become a key weapon in Arsenal’s arsenal. The Gunners have scored several crucial goals from corners and free kicks this season, often changing the course of tightly contested matches. While this strategy has yielded results, it has drawn criticism from some quarters for being overly reliant on moments of structured play rather than open-play creativity.
Balancing Pragmatism and Flair
Walcott’s concerns highlight a broader debate about how Arsenal can strike a balance between maintaining their traditional attacking identity and adapting to modern football’s tactical demands. While fans have celebrated the team’s progress under Arteta, there is also a longing for the exhilarating football that made Arsenal a global phenomenon.
Injuries to key creative players, such as Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard at various points this season, have forced Arteta to experiment with different approaches. Arsenal have also added players like Declan Rice and Kai Havertz, who bring different skill sets compared to the technical, intricate players of the past. These changes have likely influenced Arsenal’s shift in style, prioritizing physicality and control in key moments.
A Call to Return to Arsenal’s Roots
Walcott’s comments serve as a reminder of Arsenal’s rich footballing heritage and the expectations that come with it. While modern football demands adaptability, the former winger’s words resonate with fans who want to see the club retain its unique identity.
As Arsenal continue their push for silverware this season, Arteta will undoubtedly be aware of the need to balance pragmatism with the creativity that fans and former players like Walcott cherish. Whether the Gunners can rediscover their attacking flair while maintaining their newfound solidity remains a question that only time will answer. For now, the debate continues as Arsenal march forward in their quest for success.
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