UEFA Europa League 2017/18: Arsenal 3-1 FC Koln: 5 talking points

#2 Theo Walcott is not up to par

Theo Walcott was caught offside four times vs. FC Koln

It’s a mystery as to how Theo Walcott managed to secure a £140,000-a-week contract with the Gunners. Perhaps Arsène Wenger asks himself that same question every week as he now leaves the 28-year old on the bench every game.

However, as the Europa League is more suited to his level, Wenger decided to start the Englishman.

As Martin Keown said at half time, it’s a wonder what the winger was doing throughout the game. He wasn’t providing width, neither was he making darting runs through the middle. All he did was offer himself as a passing option without doing anything in the build-up play.

Theo Walcott is renowned for his lightning quick speed, but he seemingly refused to use that asset against Cologne, opting to pass sideways to Bellerín instead of running at players.