Rio Ferdinand has slammed Arsene Wenger for his decision not to play Theo Walcott, and has accused the Gunners coach of ruining Arsenal.
Speaking to BT Sport, as per Goal, the centre-back had the following to say about the Gunners manager: “They’ve got to give Theo a chance [up front]. He’s been there all these years, he’s mooted about wanting to be a centre forward. I think Wenger is hurting Arsenal by not giving him a sustained period playing up front.
“Give him a chance to prove himself, if he can’t do it then go out and buy someone.”
Wenger opted to use Olivier Giroud as his starting forward in the Gunners’ midweek Champions League clash against Dinamo Zagreb, but the forward was dismissed after only 40 minutes after receiving a second yellow card.
During his brief appearance, the attacker managed only 17 touches, taking four shots, of which two were on target. His passing accuracy of 55 percent failed to inspired confidence, and only served to underline the north London side’s failings in attack.
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Giroud has only scored three goals in his last 15 matches, and while he may have cost the Gunners against Zagreb—as Arsenal went on to lose 2-1—it remains to be seen what kind of a loss he will be moving forward.
However, it’s hard to know whether Walcott is a much better bet. The England international may have found the net against San Marino, but has scored only once in four Premier League outings so far this term, and scored managed only five in 16 last term in both the EPL and the Champions League.