A number of Southampton fans expressed their frustrations over Ralph Hasenhuttl’s decision to take off Theo Walcott in the second half of their 1-1 draw at Arsenal on Wednesday evening.
The Saints headed into the game in the rare position as favourites at the Emirates Stadium, based on the league table. That reflects just how strong their form has been so far this campaign and the started the night with the potential to head to the summit of the league if they won and other results went their way.
Walcott delivered an excellent performance on his return to Arsenal and it was the experienced forward who gave them the lead in the first half with a brilliant dinked finish. The 31-year-old continued to make dangerous runs throughout the match to put pressure on the Gunners’ defence and was instrumental in earning a free-kick which saw Gabriel sent off.
Hasenhuttl made the decision to bring Walcott off for Moussa Djenepo moments after Arsenal had gone down to 10 men. The Saints struggled to break down the Gunners when they were a man down for the final half an hour of the match and, in the end, had to settle for a point.
Southampton fans react to Hasenhuttl’s withdrawal of Theo Walcott
Many Southampton fans were keen to suggest that they would have left Walcott on the field as he was causing real problems for Arsenal’s defence. Some were critical of Hasenhuttl’s decision not to give the 31-year-old at least ten minutes or so while the Gunners were a man down to see if he could help make another breakthrough.
Horrible draw, walcott shouldnt have been subbed. Arsenal parking the bus from the start which is expected based on their form, and we couldnt capitalize. Onto Man City… #SaintsFC
Saka is unreal also
— tøby (@sfctoby) December 16, 2020
Not sure taking Walcott off was the answer there, myself. Was making some good, incisive runs and picking up some excellent positions between the lines – might have been valuable. #SaintsFC
— Luke Osman (@lukeosman_) December 16, 2020
Redmond for Armstrong would've been fine. I'd have kept Walcott on and played him off the right.
— Lucy Highnett (@lucyhighnett) December 16, 2020
I totally agree, Arsenal were struggling with him and he just won that free kick then got taken off, I would of given him another 10 minutes
— Ryan Anderson (@ryanstanley22) December 16, 2020
Agree. Should have kept Walcott on. Ings is looking a bit rusty, hopefully that doesn’t last for too much longer 🤞
— Gaz (@Gaz_B83) December 16, 2020
https://twitter.com/jamesalexwhite7/status/1339298272041701376?s=19
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