Theo Walcott singles out ‘frustrating’ Arsenal star after poor performance against Liverpool

Last Updated on 5 September 2025

Arsenal were beaten by a long-range freekick by Dominik Szoboszlai at Anfield, succumbing to their first defeat of the season.

The reigning champions, Liverpool, had started the season with a couple of poor defensive displays. But they dug in their heels against the runner-ups from last season to make it three wins in three.

Mikel Arteta’s decision to start Mikel Merino instead of Martin Odegaard or new signing, Eberechi Eze, had already been anaylzed in microscopic detail prior to kick-off.

Despite controlling possession and looking comfortable, Arsenal created very little in the first half.

Liverpool grew into the game in the second half. Hugo Ekitike had a goal ruled out to offside around the hour mark.

Seven minutes from full time, Curtis Jones won a freekick from 32 yards out, which was spectacularly converted by Szobozslai, much to the delight of the Anfield crowd.

Theo Walcott blasts Gabriel Martinelli after a ‘nullified’ performance

Hardly a stranger to fantastic displays at Anfield, Theo Walcott was deeply disappointed with Gabriel Martinelli.

Walcott couldn’t believe Arsenal hadn’t made the most of targeting Szoboszlai, who was slotting in at right-back for Liverpool.

Speaking on the ‘It’s Called Soccer’ podcast, Walcott explained, “Szoboszlai wasn’t tested at all. You’ve got a centre-midfield player at full-back, that’s music to my ears. But not at one point did Martinelli do his strengths. If you overthink things as a winger, you mess up.”

And he’s not wrong. There was an instance during the first half when Martinelli broke away and Arsenal were 3-on-3 against Liverpool’s defense. Unfortunately, that run amounted to nothing as the Brazilian forward lost the ball, conceding a goalkick.

Mikel Arteta defends Gabriel Martinelli amidst widespread criticism

Arsenal bolstered their attacking options over the summer and Mikel Arteta despite being open to selling Martinelli, defended the 24-year-old, after their first loss in the Premier League.

“No, I think Gabi has been a super important player for us and he’s going to remain very, very, very important,” said Arteta, as quoted by The Mirror.

According to the Daily Mail, however, the only reason Martinelli stayed at the Emirates was because no suitor was prepared to pay the £60m Arsenal wanted.

Martinelli made over 50 appearances for the Gunners in the 2024/25 campaign, the highest he’s made in a single season.

Now, with the arrivals of Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke and Viktor Gyokeres, it will be difficult to repeat that feat, especially if his performances don’t pick up.