Walcott warns away form could derail Arsenal’s title defence

Former Arsenal winger Theo Walcott has warned that a single weakness could prevent the Gunners from securing back‑to‑back Premier League crowns, saying their away form may be the decisive factor as they chase consecutive titles after a strong start to their defence was halted by a 3‑0 loss at Brighton, the warning gains urgency.

Arsenal opened the campaign with a series of convincing performances, but their momentum ground to a shock halt at the south coast when they were beaten 3‑0 by Brighton before the international break. The defeat left the Gunners three points adrift of leaders Manchester City in the Premier League table.

Away form identified as weakness

Walcott told Drive that ‘they remain a little vulnerable away from home’. He added, ‘I like Tzolis, but from what I’ve seen away from home, I haven’t been as impressed.’ The former winger warned that players who excel at home or in training can struggle to deliver when it truly matters on the road.

‘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 continued. He suggested, ‘Don’t play him, play someone else, play someone who is going to work for the team or do something different.’ Despite these concerns, he praised the squad, saying ‘I think they are exceptional and I do feel they’ve got everything to retain it.’

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The Gunners return to action on 10 October when they host Leeds United in the Premier League, a fixture that could test whether the away‑form issue has been addressed.

Contract activity intensifies

Since lifting the trophy last season, Arsenal have moved to lock down key personnel. Manager Mikel Arteta, defender William Saliba, centre‑back Gabriel Magalhaes, midfielder Myles Lewis‑Skelly and teenager Ethan Nwaneri have all signed new contracts in recent months.

Reporters say Declan Rice is close to agreeing a new deal, while goalkeeper David Raya faces an uncertain future after a ‘surprising development’. Journalist Mark Brus of Caught Offside added that talks are ongoing for Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz, with optimism that agreements could be finalised soon.