An embarrassment of riches is defined by Wiki as an idiom that means an overabundance of something, or too much of a good thing, that originated in 1738 as John Ozell’s translation of a French play, L’Embarras des richesses (1726). Well Arsene Wenger will shortly find himself in that position when the likes of Rosicky, Fabregas, and Walcott return for selection. Arsecom notes that as well as Gallas being available for Sunday, Eduardo should be fit. Adebayor is just a game away and Theo is looking good in training, and just getting used to physical contact.
My point for debate centres on Theo Walcott, and I really would like your help in defusing the debate that began just prior to Theo’s injury. Some Gooners were openly questioning Theo’s worth, and they were probably the same Gooners that booed Eboue off the field at the Emirates. I am a fanatical supporter of Theo Walcott, so I must declare an interest in this blog. If Theo had been given the kind of run in the team that was had by Adebayor, Niklas Bendtner and Eboue, I am convinced that we would not now be having this debate. Add to this the fact that he is English, I thought that I would play the ethnic card too for good measure…lol
Theo has had a total of 89 appearances (many of them substitute) and scored 11 goals and made 16 assists, at the age of 20 in 2 weeks time, contrast that with Nicklas Bendtner’s total of 78 appearances with 20 goals and 11 assists aged 21 or even compared with Eboue’s record over the same period of 81 appearances, 2 goals and 7 assists aged 25. Why is it that Theo has to justify his place to so many critics? The lad is world class… end of! But why is it that so many Gooners do not agree with me? I believe that they have fallen for the same media over expectation that says that if he is isn’t scoring a hatrick every other week at the Emirates, then something is sadly lacking.
Theo Walcott is criticised for a supposed lack of end product in terms of crossing ability and assists. He was often accused of running at high speed into dead ends, then tripping over the ball. However, it was paradoxically his England performances that divided most of all. David Beckham gave his advice to Theo before he scored that amazing hatrick against Croatia
“Becks told me to be a bit more greedy in the box, then afterwards he said I was probably too greedy!” Walcott said. “To train with him and be around him spurs me on and gives me confidence.”
Arsene Wenger immediately came out with his usual typical politically correct stance and suggested that he wanted Theo to concentrate on being a team player. This is yet another point of disagreement that I have with Le Boss. Arsene Wenger bought Thierry Henry from Monaco, at the age of 19 he had scored 3 goals in 22 appearances. Contrast the 226 goals of the master. Yes Thierry was a team player, but it was his selfishness that allowed him to score so many vital goals for the Arsenal.
Recall Theo’s length of the field run against his team Liverpool, in last year’s Champions League quarter final. This was world class. Pure natural talent. Now if Arsene Wenger is claiming that Nicklas Bendtner will be a world class striker by the age of 23, then what prospect is there for Theo? It is Theo’s defensive weaknesses that allowed Eboue to take his place so regularly last season. But when Theo returns, Wenger has a straight forward choice, as even Eboue’s crossing ability appears to have disappeared of late. The midfield should see Fabregas alongside Diaby with Denilson on the bench. Arshavin might displace Nasri leaving the final place to be fought between Eboue, Rosicky and Theo Walcott.
It will be on the training ground that Arsene Wenger will make his final choice, and let’s hope that common sense prevails, and Theo is at last given the kind of chance to show his good worth, that other players have received. Theo is a nice lad, in fact I had the opportunity to grab his autograph one Sunday lunchtime in my local Hertfordshire petrol filling station. He was not put out by the approach, and gladly responded to my request with good humour. He is a really down to earth, nice guy, that any family would be proud of having. So lets’ hope that the Gooner family can at last unite and give Theo the unqualified support that is long overdue to him.
Fabregas the King.