The forward has warned that a defeat in the north London derby could severely damage a player's mentality
Theo Walcott has warned that defeat in the north London derby against Tottenham has the potential to ruin a player’s career.
With 10 Premier League games to go, the Gunners are six points behind leaders Leicester City but desperately need a victory at White Hart Lane to pull level with second-placed Spurs.
Arsene Wenger’s men head into the fixture following back-to-back defeats in the Premier League to Manchester United and Swansea City, and Walcott insists a win on Saturday is crucial.
“No matter how your season is going, if you don’t get a result in this game, it could hurt you completely,” Walcott told Arsenal’s official website.
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“For weeks, months, it could ruin people’s careers, it’s that mad, this game. That’s how important it is. It’s massive for the fans, it’s all about bragging rights.”
Asked what the key to winning the match is, Walcott replied: “Work rate.
“I think hard work, everyone defending for each other, everyone working for each other, and helping your team-mates out.
“If someone saw heads down, [you] lift them up very quickly, there’s no time to be dwelling on a mistake, or if something’s happened in a game, you get on with it. I think it’ll come down to that - who wants it more.”
- Goal