Houllier Blames Walcott's Absence for Arsenal's Title Woes.

One time Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier believes Theo Walcott's absence from the team is the reason for Arsenal's recent poor form.

Theo suffered a complex knee injury in an FA Cup game against Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium in January and had since then been ruled out of the season. The winger is also not expected to be seen at the World Cup tournament in Brazil despite reports he has started walking and jogging.

From the time the Englishman sustained that injury the Gunners have recorded a couple of below par performances among which were humiliating losses to Chelsea and Liverpool in the Premier League. It was also within this period that they crashed out of the Champions League. Wenger's men from the beginning of the present campaign were in a position where they could be termed serious title contenders but at the moment, a Champions League spot for next season is what they are more likely to be after with Everton who have a game in hand just four points behind them. Sunday's game would be between these two teams and you know what that means.

Houllier didn't forget to mention other absentees as he stated Jack Wilshere's and Aaron Ramsey's injuries were factors which led to Arsenal's drop as well.

"They lost some key players [that's why]. Suppose Steven Gerrard, maybe [Luis] Suarez and another defender were out against Tottenham, it could have been a different game.

"At this moment the big loss for them was Theo Walcott. Theo was giving them some depth and some speed up front and once they lost him the results suffered.

"Particularly in big games he's a threat and he can make goals and score goals. He had improved a lot so it's a shame he's not playing at the moment.

"They lost Theo, Wilshere and Ramsey, who had a terrific start to the season. It is too many key players plus the fact they look a bit more tired than the others [hasn't helped]."

This dude has said the truth some football pundits would shy away from. Michael Owen for instance would have just went on to say that Arsenal lack depth not considering the number of players they have injured. This show the difference between mediocrity and class.