Arsene Wenger at fault for Theo Walcott failing to push on because he doesn't know his best position, says Sol Campbell

Campbell says the criticism Walcott has received in recent weeks is 'not fair' and feels the England international needs to be played in one position only

Theo Walcott walks off dejectedly after Arsenal's 1-0 defeat by Swansea (Getty Images)

Former Arsenal defender Sol Campbell believes manager Arsene Wenger is at fault for Theo Walcott’s failure to push on and reach his full potential during his 10-year stay with the club despite the recent criticism towards the England forward.

Through a mix of inconsistent form and injury, Walcott has struggled to tie down a place in Wenger’s first XI, be it out wide or as the central striker. The 26-year-old was handed a chance to impress at the weekend against Manchester United at the expense of Olivier Giroud, only to draw a blank and be roundly criticised for his ineffectiveness.

But while many have been quick to blame the England international, Campbell believes the problem lies in Wenger’s inability to decide what his best position should be.

“I don’t think it’s fair. He’s a great lad who has played for England and done very well. He doesn’t deserve all that,” Campbell said, speaking exclusively to 888sport.

“He (Wenger) needs to set the team up and explain to Theo where he wants him on the pitch. What is his best position? As a centre-forward or out wide coming in? That conversation needs to happen between the manager and player and it needs to be a frank and honest conversation. He needs to get into his head and play the game for him and show him the light. Be a real mentor.”

Arsenal suffered a double setback on Wednesday night when they followed up the loss at United with a home defeat by relegation-threatened Swansea, leaving the Gunners six points behind Premier League leaders Leicester and three behind north London rivals Tottenham, who they meet in this Saturday’s early kick-off.

Recent form and table position would suggest that the tide is beginning to turn against Arsenal as Spurs edge ahead, but while Campbell admits this weekend’s encounter is “massive” in determining who goes on to challenge for the title, he still believes that Arsenal are bigger than Tottenham.

“If you’re looking at quality then Arsenal’s quality of football has been superior,” said Campbell, who left Spurs for Arsenal in 2001. “You have to look at it over five to ten years to see how consistent they are and Tottenham have really come into their own this season. They have improved but let’s see after five seasons.”

“It’s a massive game. Depending on what happens mid-week even if Arsenal beat Tottenham they could still be behind. This is the business end of the season and it’s a three-horse race. The players know that now and it’s all about who gets the job done.”

Victory for Arsenal would take them level on points with Spurs, though they would likely remain in third place unless they claim an eight-goal advantage in the process. Both clubs though can look towards slightly more forgiving fixture lists than Leicester heading towards the end of the season, although Arsenal have both the FA Cup and Champions League to contend with while Spurs are competing in the Europa League.

Read the full 888sport interview with Sol Campbell here, including how he thinks Arsenal may have missed their opportunity to win the league.