Theo Walcott’s swift return to the Emirates was a rude awakening.
On Saturday evening, Theo Walcott played at the Emirates Stadium. Unlike every other time he’s graced the Arsenal stadium, this time he was a member of the opposition.
In just his third appearance for the Toffees, he had to face the club he spent 12 years at.
He knew before kick-off that it was going to be an emotional experience. However, he probably didn’t plan on the complete embarrassment that transpired as Everton were totally outclassed by the Gunners.
Theo Walcott warmly applauded by all as he departs 4-0 down. Probably the worst case scenario he imagined last night.
— JOE (@JOE_co_uk) February 3, 2018
Arsenal ran out 5-1 winners over Everton. New signing Henrikh Mkhitaryan racked up three assists, old head Aaron Ramsey bagged himself a hat-trick. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Laurent Koscielny got the other goals for the good.
After six minutes, Everton were two goals down. On the 20-minute mark, they were trailing three-nil. An hour in, Walcott’s game was over.
While he received a standing ovation from both sets of fans when he was subbed off, he also had to endure ironic chants of ‘Theo’ after missing a sitter. It must have been tough to see his former teammates run rings around his current team like that.
Considering how good he looked against Leicester City, his homecoming must have felt like an absolute nightmare. As awful as their season has been, Arsenal are still a level above the Foxes. Judging by Saturday’s game, they’re still streets ahead of the Toffees too.
For that and a multitude of reasons, Gooners really felt for their former striker.
Theo Walcott,sorry! This is the wrong time to return to ur former club.#ArshiKhan
— Jnr Henry Onaji (@onaji2nd) February 3, 2018
https://twitter.com/ARUNxD/status/959846339394899968
Brother Walcott…sorry ooo
— BAAADMAN. (@tolaafc) February 3, 2018
https://twitter.com/Aldo_Gunner/status/959869426731331584
The beautiful game can be very cruel at times.