Theo Walcott has backed Bukayo Saka to deliver for Arsenal in the title run-in, admitting the winger has endured an indifferent campaign but insisting he is hitting form at the right time. The former Gunners forward, who scored 108 goals in 397 appearances for the club, believes the 24-year-old can still be decisive in the business end of the season.
Saka has managed nine goals in all competitions this term and was substituted after an hour during Wednesday's Champions League encounter at Bayer Leverkusen, with substitute Noni Madueke winning a late penalty to rescue Arsenal. The England international recently signed a new contract at the Emirates Stadium worth in excess of £300,000 a week, underlining his importance to Mikel Arteta's side.
Speaking about Saka, Walcott said: "I think he's been actually a little bit indifferent this year, but you can see signs of him picking up at the right time now. You'd like to think the most important players shine when it really matters but we also forget how young he still is and how much he's achieved already at this point." He added that Saka is a role model on and off the field, and that it is "okay to have a bad day".
Walcott also credited Madueke for pushing Saka, saying: "Madueke has actually helped with that, I think he's pushing Bukayo and he's needed that. Saka is exceptional and I'm so pleased Arsenal have worked so hard to keep him." The former England winger made the comments as he prepares to feature for England XI in Soccer Aid for UNICEF on 31st May at the London Stadium.
Comparing Arsenal's current squad to past greats, Walcott claimed the present group is better than the Invincibles, though he noted it remains hard to match that side's achievements. He said that if Arsenal were to win the Quadruple, he would begin to regard Arteta as the embodiment of the club, just as he once viewed Arsene Wenger.
