Theo Walcott backs Arsenal to retain Premier League title but identifies key concern

Theo Walcott believes Arsenal have everything required to retain the Premier League title, but the former Gunner has identified their away performances as a potential weakness.

Arsenal have won four of their opening five league matches, with their only defeat coming at Brighton.

Walcott described Mikel Arteta’s side as “exceptional” and believes another title is achievable. However, he is concerned by the difference between some of their home and away displays.

One player Walcott highlighted was summer signing Christos Tzolis.

The winger struggled during Arsenal’s away game against Aston Villa, receiving a booking before being substituted at half-time.

“I like Tzolis, but from what I've seen away from home, I haven't been as impressed,” Walcott told talkSPORT Drive.

“It's difficult to really shine away from home. You can have those players that are great at home or great at training, but can't [do it] away when it really matters.”

Walcott compared the situation to Mesut Özil during his Arsenal career, suggesting certain difficult away grounds were not always suited to the former Germany international.

“Don't play him, play someone else, play someone who is going to work for the team or do something different,” Walcott said.

Despite those reservations, he remains confident about Arsenal’s title prospects.

“I think they are exceptional and I do feel they've got everything to retain it,” he added.

“But it's not going to be easy, because they'll want to win the Champions League.”

Arsenal’s lack of set-piece goals this season is another area Walcott is watching.

The Gunners scored a league-leading 23 goals from set pieces last season but have yet to score one through their opening five Premier League matches this campaign.

Walcott believes that drought could eventually cause players to question why something that worked so effectively last season is no longer producing results.

“I know it's really early, but it looks like a stressful environment already,” he said.

“You look at the set piece side of things, it hasn't really happened yet.”

Walcott stressed that it remains early in the campaign, but Arsenal's ability to maintain their title defence while also targeting the Champions League could provide a significant test.

Their next opportunity to demonstrate their strength away from home comes against Nottingham Forest on October 18.

Arsenal return to Premier League action against Nottingham Forest on October 18.

That fixture will provide another test of the away form Walcott has questioned, while Arteta will also be looking for Arsenal to rediscover the set-piece threat that proved so valuable during their title-winning campaign.