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Arsene Wenger reveals why he did not start Arsenal star Theo Walcott against Watford
ARSENE WENGER has explained why he didn't start Theo Walcott in Arsenal’s defeat against Watford last night.
Theo Walcott - 5 things you need to know
Despite scoring a hat-trick against Southampton last Saturday in their 5-0 FA Cup victory, Walcott replaced Olivier Giroud at half-time.
Although Alex Iwobi pulled one back for the Gunners, Walcott couldn’t inspire a turnaround as the north London outfit lost 2-1.
And speaking about his decision not to include Walcott in his starting XI, Wenger said: “He played in the second half. If you look well at his history, he has not played for five and a half weeks. He was stiff still yesterday.
Theo Walcott didn't start against Watford last night
Theo Walcott came on for Olivier Giroud
I think it was a good, normal decision
“I kept him out of training yesterday. We have three games this week. We know well, do not think we are completely stupid in the way we make decisions.
“I think it was a good, normal decision.”
Arsene Wenger admitted Theo Walcott was still feeling stiff
Arsenal will be hoping to bounce back when they face Chelsea on Saturday (12:30pm).
Antonio Conte’s men, who are nine points clear at the top of the Premier League table, were held to a 1-1 draw away to Liverpool.
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