Theo Walcott admits Arsenal’s defence has been shambolic and calls for rock-solid unity in top four bid
THEO WALCOTT admits Arsenal have not been defending properly.
Arsene Wenger’s wobbling side recorded only their second clean sheet in eight Premier League games to beat West Ham 3-0.
Theo Walcott has called for unity after admitting Arsenal’s defence has been far too leakyReuters
Arsenal have become the first team to score over 100 goals in all competitions with Walcott having scored 19 of them – including the second strike against the struggling Hammers – but the back four have looked weak.
Four points off fourth place, Arsenal will head to Crystal Palace on Monday knowing they have to win.
Walcott said: “We haven’t been defending well as a whole unit, not keeping clean sheets. We wanted to get a clean sheet against West Ham, as simple as that.
“We know we are going to score goals so if we get that clean sheet, we will win games. We needed to go back to basics and we did against West Ham. Everyone defended well together and we were very well structured. When we do that well, everything else comes into play.
Arsene Wenger's men are still in the hunt for a top four finish after cruising past West HamPA:Press Association
“It has been a challenging few weeks to be honest. As players, we are just thinking about the next game. The manager will have a plan in motion, I'm sure.
“Everyone just needs to remember how good we are as a team, as individuals. It is coming into motion. You saw some signs against Manchester City. Hopefully it is going to go on and on.”
As for scraping a Champions League place, Walcott said: “Who knows, we have done it in the past. We have been in this situation before, although probably not as bad. It's the Premier League and that's why it's the best League in the world.
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“Who knows who is going to win each game? No-one expected Liverpool to draw - that is why we love and enjoy playing in this league."
Mesut Ozil scored his first goal for fourth months against West Ham with Wenger admitting the German had struggled mentally after the defeats to Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
Walcott said: “Goals always breed confidence in players but Mesut is a fantastic player, he has played for Real Madrid, is a World Cup winner and has been through a lot of ups and downs so there is nothing he can't come back from.
"He has put his head down, worked hard in training and the rewards came against West Ham.”
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