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Pat Nevin explains why Walcott is thriving for Arsenal this season

Pat Nevin believes Theo Walcott is thriving so far this season because of an increased aggression...



Pat Nevin explains why Walcott...
Soccer

Pat Nevin explains why Walcott is thriving for Arsenal this season

Pat Nevin believes Theo Walcott is thriving so far this season because of an increased aggression to his approach.

After a summer which saw him left out of the England Euro 2016 squad - perhaps not the worst thing in the world given the embarrassment endured against Iceland - the winger has returned refreshed for Arsenal.

He scored a double in the 3-2 victory over Swansea and probably should have had two or three more goals on the day.

That tally takes him up to seven goals in nine games in all competitions this season.

Speaking to Off The Ball, ex-Chelsea and Everton winger Pat Nevin believes there is every chance that Walcott can maintain this current form. 

"I think there is because anyone who's got that ridiculously stunning pace that he's got, you can get away from anyone," he said, although he acknowledged that the winger won't be the type that takes every chance he gets in front of goal.

"I think a lot of people suspect what happened to him in the summer has just got to him. We often think footballers should know exactly all about themselves and their careers and have an overview of it when they're 19, 20, 21. But it kind of doesn't happen. You sometimes have to get a little bit older and then realise 'I just missed one. There won't be many more. I'd better make sure I'm right for it and can't be left out next time.'" 

Pat also believes the drop in expectations off his shoulder may have allowed the player to flourish more.

"I can see something else he's talked about. Often footballers talk about what's changed for them and there's a huge big gallon of salt you throw over it. But this time, I think it is. He's a bit more physical and aggressive than he was before," he said.

"And that's not just about making tackles or jumping into people. That's just aggressive in going out and grabbing what you want and you kind of have to be like that if you're a footballer. You can be the nicest guy in the world off the pitch. Some of the guys I knew were absolute thugs on the pitch but absolutely lovely guys."

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