WALCOTT’S BRACE HELP ARSENAL WIN BASEL 2-0

Two goals from Theo Walcott ensured Arsenal went past FC Basel in the group stage of the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday.

Arsenal put up scintillating performance during the match with the Swiss opposition. The passing of the ball was majestic. It took only 7 minutes for Walcott to get his first. The goal immediately sent shivers to the opposition as they were on the brink of a loss to an English club. The eventual loss means Arsenal are the second team Basel have succumb to in twelve Champions League games.

The Gunners set the tone of the night from the onset. They were forced to change shirts as the referee though the Swiss jersey might be easily confused with the home shirts of the Gunners. That didn’t diminish the confidence of the team one bit. The same brilliant performance they put up against Chelsea was evident against Basel.

Play maker Santi Cazorla looped the ball over the Basel defence to find Alexis Sanchez alone. Sanchez crossed the ball to Walcott who headed it in for the first goal. The swiftness of Arsenal left Basel grappling for breath. Basel had defeated Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea in recent Champions League games so it was surprising that they couldn’t so more against Arsenal.

Arsenal got another goal but it was ruled offside. They maintained ball possession, and were rewarded in the 25th minute with another goal. Walcott and Sanchez combined well to get the goal. The goal became Walcott’s fourth in three games. The goals were his 13th and 14th Champions League goals. In Arsenal all-time rakings, Walcott is only behind Legend Thierry Henry and the ‘flying Dutchman Robin van Persie.

Ahead of the tie, Walcott said his record was improving due to his drastic change in attitude. Truly, his work ethics this season is undeniable. The real test for Arsenal remains the Round of 16 where they have faltered for six years.