Story highlights
Arsenal star Theo Walcott admits they are showing 'relegation form' in EPL
Walcott says they must improve defensively to move up the standings
Walcott tells CNN that he has asked manager Arsene Wenger to play as a central striker
22-year-old has regained his place in the England line-up under Fabio Capello
England international Theo Walcott has admitted that Arsenal are showing “relegation form” after their worst start to an English Premier League season.
Walcott told CNN Friday that the Gunners must improve quickly and sort out the defensive problems which have seen them concede eight goals at Manchester United and four at Blackburn where they lost by the odd goal in seven last weekend.
“We just need to get it right as a whole defensive unit, not just the back four, it’s the entire team to defend better,” he said.
“We can’t get any worse. But we are ready and our season starts now,” he added.
With Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger under pressure after his team has picked up just four points from five games, Walcott was quick to defend the Frenchman.
“He grabs players you’ve never heard of and makes them stars, he’s amazing.”
But Walcott, who has been with Arsenal for nearly six years after being snapped up as a 16-year-old from Southampton, acknowledged that Wenger had to face up to a big challenge.
“He’s been through so many ups and downs and this is probably his biggest down yet.”
Arsenal have not been helped by the enforced sale of star midfielders Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri in the close season transfer window.
“It’s obviously a massive shock to lose two of your best players. Cesc has obviously is doing great in Spain (at Barcelona) at the moment,” Walcott observed.
“I always think it’s very difficult to keep a player, like Samir, when he’s got one year left on his contract,”
With their departure, Walcott has made no secret of his desire to play in a more central striking role for Arsenal and England.
“I’d love to play up front. I am not a winger, I am a striker.’ ‘I have sat down with him (Wenger) and told him I want to play up front.’”
Walcott has forced his way back into the international reckoning under Fabio Capello since being left out of the squad for the 2010 World Cup, where England made a disappointing exit to Germany.
With England on the verge of qualifying for Euro 2012, Walcott believes the Italian has learned from the bitter experience of South Africa.
“He’s a bit more relaxed. There’s just great buzz around the English set up and that shows with our results.”
The 22-year-old Walcott will certainly be hoping for continued success in a crucial season for himself for both club and country.
