Walcott: Chelsea’s ‘negative’ approach a compliment to Arsenal

Theo Walcott believes that Chelsea’s “negative” tactical approach to Monday’s goalless draw should be taken as a compliment by Arsenal.

The Blues battled hard to earn a point at a wet and windy Emirates Stadium as a cagey affair ended all square and left the Gunners level on points with Premier League leaders Liverpool.

And although the England international was surprised by the visitors’ approach to the game, he feels that it underlines Arsenal’s threat as a fellow title rival to Jose Mourinho’s men.

“It was a shame we didn’t create too many chances but when you have a team who come here to be negative, it’s difficult to break them down,” Walcott told the London Evening Standard.

It gives us a lot of pleasure to know a team like Chelsea are very cautious when they play Arsenal

Theo Walcott

“I was a little bit surprised by Chelsea’s approach. Looking at the team they had attacking players in Eden Hazard, Willian and Fernando Torres.

“They did go for it at stages but when it felt like being a 0-0, they wanted to make sure it stayed a 0-0.

“Was it a vote of confidence for us for them to play that way? Without a doubt. It gives us a lot of pleasure to know a team like Chelsea are very cautious when they play Arsenal.”

Walcott added: “Going into Christmas joint top is not a sign of us faltering. It’s a very competitive League this year, a lot of teams have got much better.

“Every game is very difficult but going in joint top on Christmas Day, we’re very pleased.”