Everton would be wise to consider using Theo Walcott against Tottenham Hotspur this weekend.
Tottenham Hotspur fans have never really liked Theo Walcott.
Yes, he played for Arsenal and therefore was always going to be unpopular on the white side of the North London divide, but much of the dislike goes a bit deeper, stemming from more personal reasons than simple association.
While being stretchered off during Arsenal’s FA Cup win over Tottenham in 2014, Walcott held up a peace sign to the travelling fans. With the other hand, using his thumb and index finger, he formed a ‘0’ figure.
It was 2-0 to Arsenal, 1-0 to Walcott and this Sunday, the former Gunner can enhance his own unpopularity among Spurs supporters.
In addition to reminding them of the score that day, Walcott is also unpopular at Tottenham because, well, he’s quite good at scoring against them.
In 15 games against the Lilywhites, the 30-year-old winger has found the net on seven occasions, including two for Everton in both Premier League games last season.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side visit Goodison Park this weekend and although he hasn’t been firing on all cylinders this season, it wouldn’t be a major surprise if Walcott – a £20 million signing almost two years ago [Telegraph] – dusts off his shooting boots for the occasion.
Besides, Everton winger Bernard looks set to miss out with a knee injury and the England international is a potential replacement if manager Marco Silva does a slight rejig.
It’s been a rotten season for Tottenham, who were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by a League Two side, smashed 7-2 by Bayern Munich and have won one of their last five Premier League games.
The North Londoners are up a very well-known creek right now, and how Walcott would love to push them further up it this weekend.
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