Theo Walcott suggests the one thing he would change about Arsenal to bring more ‘excitement’

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal are still fighting on four fronts for silverware this season and face rivals Manchester United in the FA Cup third round.

Arsenal have knocked out Manchester United more than any other side in the FA Cup and Mikel Arteta will be hoping to repeat the Gunners 2-0 Premier League victory over United in December.

Riccardo Calafiori missed out on the Arsenal squad for the cup tie and Arteta decided to drop midfielders Thomas Partey and Declan Rice.

Arsenal had trouble converting their chances in their 2-0 defeat to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup semi-final and one pundit has given his thoughts on how to bring more ‘excitement’ to Arsenal’s attack.

READ MORE: The bizarre rule that could see Max Dowman make Arsenal history in the FA Cup but not in the Premier League

Theo Walcott suggests that Arsenal need more pace to their counter attacks

Speaking on the BBC’s pre-match coverage of Arsenal v Manchester United in third round of the FA Cup, former Arsenal winger Theo Walcott has been talking about what he feels could be improved about Arsenal’s failing attack.

Walcott stated: “I would say, see Havertz for instance, he’s really isolated at times. I feel like, at times, they haven’t got the pace to come up the field and improve those goals, particularly in counter attacks.”

Walcott then reflected on his own performances for Arsenal and how he used to score his goals and feels that Arsenal are becoming too reliant on set-pieces in their attacking options.

Walcott stated: “The player I was, counter attacks were always the best opportunity to score a goal and I feel like they’ve faded away from that and they’re more excited about the set-pieces. It’s great, it’s working at times but for me, the fans want to see excitement now.”

Arsenal have scored more set-piece goals than any other team this season

Whilst goals from open play have been a struggle this season for Arsenal with only 26 compared to league leaders Liverpool’s 40, Arsenal have found a devastating attacking weapon in their set-piece routines.

No other side has scored more set-piece routines in the Premier League this season and Arsenal caused Manchester United set-piece problems earlier on in the season.

Whilst Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli will be looking to exploit any weaknesses in the Red Devils defence in open play, Mikel Arteta will be aware of Arsenal’s strength from corners and free kicks.

However Arsenal get the result, a win is vital against United in the FA Cup as the club look to end their five year trophy drought.