He took the title from Arsenal with his goal at the Emirates, he’s still ashamed of it

For 12 long years he kicked with a cannon on his chest, and last year a goal before the title game against Manchester City put him in an uncomfortable position. Theo Walcott has now made an emotional comment on Arsenal’s 3-3 draw with Southampton in April.

It was the 32nd round of the Premier League and both teams were entering arguably the most critical phase of their season. While six teams were fighting for salvation, Southampton were clearly in last place and knew they had to win at Arsenal if they still wanted to hope.

The Gunners were also under pressure. Two losses in a row meant that Arsenal’s lead on second placed Manchester City was reduced to one point. And the very next round was to be followed by a return match at the Etihad Stadium.

A better dress rehearsal could not have come for Mikel Arteta’s charges, Southampton having taken a single point in the previous five rounds. But after a quarter of an hour, most of the Emirates fell silent as Theo Walcott increased the score to 2: 0 for Southampton.

“When I go back in time, I regret my decisions. I’ve held it in my heart for a long time, but I have to get it out,” Walcott told Arsenal fansite Kibrom Kb Romhay.

For Walcott, Arsenal was the deal of a lifetime. Though he was brought up by Southampton, he gradually became one of the key players in the Arsenal team and was a steady member of the national team. He never won a league title with them.

This time he contributed to not winning it. Arsenal did reduce the deficit by half-time, but Southampton took back the two-goal lead after the change of sides. The Gunners at least equalised at the end, but didn’t score the winning goal.

“Sometimes I cry when I think about it. It’s a real shame and sometimes I think I shouldn’t have played that game at all,” continued the former England international.

In hindsight, neither team wanted to play him. Arsenal and Southampton both needed to win, a draw didn’t solve anything for them. The Gunners subsequently lost at Manchester City and the title was gone, Southampton never got out of last place.

“I don’t think football is fair sometimes. I really wanted Arsenal to win the league and I felt bad and I’m sorry I got involved in destroying my own team,” Walcott added.

Source: Kibrom Kb Romhay