Theology

Sven Goran Eriksson took him to Germany for the World Cup, then turned him into a teenage tourist because he didn’t have the bottle to play him – a decision (or rather lack of decision) that provoked so much outrage that even Steven Gerrard hauled himself onto the band wagon and declared in print (via his ghost writer) that the youngster had ‘no right’ to be on the plane.

Faced with that level of criticism, most 17 year olds would have crumbled, but Theo Walcott simply maintained his dignity and carried on working at his chosen profession in an environment which he knows offers him the best possible chance of success.

And on Saturday 19th August 2006 he got his reward. Arsene Wenger showed how much he believes in him by giving him his Premiership debut 18 minutes from time in the most challenging of circumstances – as plucky Aston Villa clung on to an improbable lead in the opening game of the season, courtesy of Olaf Mellberg’s 53rd minute header.

He did not disappoint. In the stunning setting of a packed Emirates Stadium, his electrifying pace, remarkable close control and mature awareness frightened Villa’s defenders, delighted the Arsenal fans and inspired his team mates, and he had the satisfaction of laying on the pass for Gilberto’s thunderous equaliser six minutes from time.

New Villa boss Martin O’Neill described him as “brilliant” and added “you just couldn’t help noticing him” and while no-one at Arsenal will get carried away by that late cameo appearance, it’s safe to say that Theo Walcott has already done enough to give an army of so-called experts good reason to have second thoughts.