Tired choking claims to be shoved down doubters' throats as Arsenal great kicks off Australian Premier League trophy tour
Updated . First published at
Arsenal great Theo Walcott is confident that the Gunners will not only shed their chokers tag and win the Premier League title, but will then usher in a new golden age of success under manager Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal last won the league in 2003-04, when Arsene Wenger's legendary 'Invincibles' went unbeaten through a 38 game season (26 wins and 12 draws).
Former Arsenal midfielder Arteta took the club's coaching reins in 2019 and has finished runners-up in the last three campaigns.
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Mikel Arteta, head coach of Arsenal, celebrates. Getty
But with a renewed emphasis on defensive discipline and lethal set-pieces, the Gunners are on the verge of finally shedding their bridesmaid tag.
With eight fixtures to play, Arsenal are seven points clear of Manchester City, although the latter has a game in hand.
The next challenge is Everton at home on Sunday (AEDT). Nervous?
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Theo Walcott, Mark Bosnich and Craig Foster with the Premier League trophy. Stan
"I'm feeling pretty good actually," Walcott told Wide World of Sports at the first leg of his Premier League trophy tour with Stan Sport at Sydney's Taronga Zoo on Thursday.
"I feel pretty confident they're getting the job done. Towards the end of the season, it's not about performances, it's all about results. It's all about moments, and they're creating a lot of moments right now which are winning games, essentially, and that's the ultimate goal. They've only lost three games this year.
"They're in a good place, but they're getting questioned every week, getting tested every week. And I think once they get past this, that respect, and that side of things will just change. The dynamic will change for Arsenal, for years to come I believe."
Flying winger Walcott scored 65 goals in 270 appearances for Arsenal between 2006-18.
The now retired 36-year-old played alongside Arteta at Arsenal but was never managed by him. He thinks the 2025-26 season will be remembered as a watershed one for both club and coach.
"It sounds funny, but they had to finish second to learn," Walcott argued.
Mikel Arteta and Theo Walcott of Arsenal with the FA Cup trophy at Wembley Stadium. Arsenal FC via Getty Images
"OK, what do we need to do differently that's going to make us just do that one step further? It's taken time but I think really big success, it always takes time.
"It's how he shaped Arsenal. If he does this - you can talk about the League Cup and the FA Cup, the Champions League quadruple. We'll then start looking at Arsenal being Mikel Arteta's team, not Arsene Wenger's, which is mad to say."
The shiny Premier League trophy glistened in the morning Sydney sun as Walcott met Uma the bush stone-curlew and other Australian wildlife.
Theo Walcott meets a curlew at Taronga Zoo. Stan
He never got his hands on England's greatest football prize as a player but he did lift the FA Cup three times with Arsenal. The tiresome 'bottling it' narrative emerged again last month when Arsenal were held to a 2-2 draw by lowly Wolves.
But they shook off that setback strongly and peeled off three straight league wins over Tottenham, Chelsea and Brighton.
Does the choking chat inevitably seep into the players' consciousness?
"It doesn't, they're not focused on that at all," Walcott stated firmly.
"They would listen to the people that are going to only say positive things or be that positive energy. They're all going to look after themselves in that little bubble of theirs.
"Yes, the fans will help them at the weekend, of course, that's really important. But the other side of it, the potholes and the choke and all that, they're not bothered. Trust me, they're not bothered because people say and do things you can't control. Control the controllables and I think they're doing that right now."
Of course for some harsh markers and armchair experts, simply winning isn't enough.
Arsenal, long lauded for an attractive style of play developed under Wenger, are now being accused of winning ugly and an over-reliance on set-piece.
The Gunners have scored 21 of their 59 goals from set-pieces this season (penalties, corners and free kicks).
Arsenal and Chelsea players compete for the ball at a corner. Getty
Liverpool boss Arne Slot recently bemoaned that games are "not a joy to watch" anymore.
Walcott was a genuine excitement machine with his speed and willingness to take on defenders. But he's not complaining.
"I'm not bothered - it's all about finding a way to win the game," he said.
Theo Walcott celebrates scoring at Emirates Stadium. Arsenal FC via Getty Images
"If it's a set piece, great. If it's a moment of individual brilliance, great. It shows you're doing something right, because everyone is trying to emulate Arsenal now.
"I remember a time when set-pieces were not focused on like this at all. It was kind of a tick box thing at training. Not anymore. Teams and coaches spend hours on routines and it shows. Of course it comes down to the actual delivery as well, it needs to be bang on.
"You're asking for someone to put it in a certain area all the time. It's like clockwork."
Thursday was day one of Walcott's 10-day tour across Australia's east coast, offering fans the opportunity to get up close with the prestigious piece of silverware.
The Sydney leg continues on Saturday, with the public invited to the Football Fan Fest at Metcalfe Park in Pyrmont.
Fans will have the opportunity to meet Walcott, snap a photo with the trophy, watch a live recording of Stan Sport's Added Time, and partake in dedicated skill zones. The trophy tour will then kick on to Melbourne and Brisbane.
