Theo Walcott says it is time for Arsenal to stop using age as an excuse

Arsene Wenger and Theo Walcott (Getty Images)

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Theo Walcott is adamant Arsenal can no longer use youthful age as an excuse for their errors and believes the club’s players need to take criticism for failings rather than Arsene Wenger.

The Gunners have fallen for criticism in recent weeks as they look set to endure a sixth successive season without major silverware and 22-year-old Walcott believes it’s time for the side to show responsibility.

Speaking before Arsenal suffered defeat at the hands of Bolton, Walcott told the Sunday Telegraph: “If we want to win trophies we need to learn. We can’t be using the excuse of being young players. We’re experienced. We need to stand up for ourselves and take responsibility at times, and I’m not sure we are always doing that.”

Now nine points behind Manchester United, Arsene Wenger’s men have dropped a total of 13 points from winning positions during the campaign – the latest coming when surrendering a 3-1 advantage at White Hart Lane on Wednesday, a trait which frustrates the England international.

When quizzed on how Arsenal could improve their title aspirations, Walcott said: “Maybe not cave in when it comes to the big occasion, when we are 2-0 up and needing to kill a game off, which we don’t do.”

Shortcomings at the Emirates have even forced some supporters to question the position of long-serving coach Arsene Wenger as the Frenchman approaches his 15th anniversary at the club.

Walcott however believes such criticism should fall at the feet of playing staff as opposed to management.

He added: “People are looking at him but maybe they need to look at the players because we are not producing.”