It was great to see Theo Walcott finally back on the pitch for Arsenal after a whole year on the sidelines. He was obviously a bit ring-rusty but he got involved and although he wasn’t on top form with his finishing at least he was getting into some good positions.
Perhaps it was lucky that we had very little opposition from Hull, but after playing for 76 minutes yesterday, he will be ready to play a full game against Stoke City next Sunday, and hopefully he will be a bit more alert in front of goal.
Right now Walcott is simply happy to be back on the pitch after such a long lay-off. “I had a lot of chances and it will come, I’m not putting too much pressure on myself,” he said on Arsenal.com. “As long as I’m getting those chances, I’m pleased.
“It’s amazing to be back. Obviously it’s been a whole year now – to the day – and it’s nice to get my first start. It’s nice to blow the cobwebs away.
“Mentally is the main challenge when you’re injured, seeing how you can cope when your team-mates are going out to train and you’re the only one in the treatment room. Or when you do your rehab the whole summer and everyone’s at the World Cup. It’s difficult like that.
“I had a lot of personal things in my life that went on, so it just took my mind off things and gave me an opportunity to build on something and work on something, and I’m better for it.”
Theo is also happy to be playing with our new star Alexis Sanchez, and is looking forward to building up a productive partnership in the future. “He’s a special player so it’s nice to get on the pitch with him, finally,” Walcott continued. “I’m sure there’s going to be a lot of appearances for him and me together.
“We were fairly comfortable. I think Hull came here with a gameplan, they passed the ball very well but in the end it was a good, comfortable 2-0 win.”
Great to have you back Theo. I fervently wish you a prosperous New Year with Arsenal, and PLEASE stay fit until the end of the season…..