Arsenal winger Theo Walcott has stated that the current Gunners players have to take responsibility for the current dip in form and up their performances, arsenal.com reports. Arsene Wenger’s side have lost three successive games in the Premier League and face a tricky FA Cup fourth round tie against Aston Villa on Sunday.
Wenger was booed by sections of the Gunners fans for his decision to substitute Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain against Manchester United and some are losing faith with the Frenchman. Walcott has not been in the best of form in recent months and is desperate to recapture his partnership with Dutchman Robin Van Persie.
The England international said: ‘We need to make sure we’re ready, because the last few games haven’t been great. As players we need to stand up and take responsibility for that. The manager has looked after us and taken all the flak, but it’s us players that go out there on the pitch and perform. Hopefully we can put in a good performance on Sunday; I’m looking forward to it. The FA Cup is one of those trophies that we would love to win. Being at home, with our support, we need to be winning these games. It’s a shame we didn’t get a different team, because we play Villa in the Premier League, but they will be up for it and will have a strong team out.’
Arsenal are expected to field a mixture of experienced players and youth against Villa, with Walcott now falling into the experienced category. The 22 year old has made 25 starts in all competitions this season and is one of the keys to the Arsenal attack. Walcott is delighted with the progress of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, the youth of the squad, and the 18 year old could start again on the left side of the Gunners front three.
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