Theo Walcott says Arsenal have their own Mohamed Salah after West Ham win – it’s not Bukayo Saka

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Theo Walcott was delighted with Arsenal’s performance during their Premier League win against West Ham.

Supporters at the London Stadium saw seven goals scored in the first half of the contest, five of which belonging to Arsenal. 

After the Gunners’ 5-1 win against Sporting CP in midweek, Mikel Arteta watched his side score five again, with four of Tuesday night’s scorers finding the net once more. 

It was a five star performance from Arsenal, who ensured three points were taken from east to north London on match day 13.

Theo Walcott praises Martin Odegaard

Since returning from injury, Martin Odegaard has been heavily praised for his impact at Arsenal.

Against West Ham, Odegaard was incredibly influential once more, getting his name on the scoresheet from the spot. 

One figure who was particularly impressed with the Norwegian was former Gunner Theo Walcott, who applauded the captain’s creativity in Arteta’s squad. 

“Do you know what’s encouraging at the moment? How pleasing on the eye they are with so much freedom and that freedom is enhanced with Martin Odegaard back because he’s a player that unlocks the best out of other players,” Walcott said to Sky Sports. 

The former Arsenal winger continued to compare Odegaard to Premier League sensation Mohamed Salah based on the influence of the two players.

“What’s really important as well I feel is when a player has been out for that period of time, they’ve still managed to be there and there abouts and it’s one of those, if you see Liverpool and you took Salah out for instance, they’re going to struggle.”

Both Salah and Odegaard are integral to their teams, with Arsenal finding out the hard way just how essential their captain is to Arteta’s project.

Odegaard was heavily involved against West Ham

At half-time of the contest, Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville compared Odegaard and Saka to Thierry Henry and Robert Pires.

It’s praise indeed for the duo who were near their best when the Gunners won at the London Stadium. 

Odegaard didn’t just score from the spot, but led by example in other areas too, being an ever-reliable source of inspiration in the middle of the pitch.

It’s difficult to imagine where Arsenal would be without Odegaard back and contributing, with his importance becoming clearer week-by-week.

Walcott’s comparison between the Norwegian and Salah rings true, with neither Liverpool or Arsenal able to operate sufficiently without their star players.