What the f*** is Alan Hansen’s problem. Apart from the obvious I hear you all cry. His assessment of Theo Walcott’s performance even seemed to leave Gary Lineker dumbstruck on Match of the Day and he hates Arsenal more than most.

What exactly is Theo supposed to do that he didn’t on Saturday then. It was without question his finest hour in the red and white. I accept it was against Blackpool, but that’s not Theo’s fault is it? He can only play who’s put in front of him. Of course the next step for Theo is consistency, but he has to start somewhere and he showed on Saturday that he is capable at this level. I have been one of his harshest critics over the last few years, but Hansen’s comments lead me to believe that Theo has wronged Hansen in a former life or something. On three occasions, Theo chose the wrong option on Saturday. On at least eight to ten occasions he chose the right ball. Last season those figures were the other way round.

“He hasn’t a footballing brain”… ”You can teach a footballer new tricks”. What the f***!!!. Did Arsene Wenger not turn an average winger into the greatest striker in the club’s history? Did he not turn a unknown French midfielder from Italy into one of the best to ever grace the Premiership and has he not performed miracles with countless other players who came with no reputation, but left as world class performers?

I really hope that Theo has turned the corner and can produce this form on a weekly basis - and above all stay fit long enough to shove more badly chosen words down Hansen’s throat. It seems unless he is skinning Cashley or Evra he will never be any good. Never mind the fact that Theo is still only 21, Cashley and Evra are two of the best defenders on planet earth and he only gets to have a crack at them two or three times a year if fit.

This may well be another false dawn in the career of Theo, but give him the chance. Judge him at Christmas if his season fails to deliver. To judge him after one sub appearance and a start which finished in a hat-trick is disgraceful. But I would expect nothing less from Alan Hansen and Match of the Day. Maybe it’s time he looked a bit closer to home. I mean, it’s been a while since his beloved Liverpool won the big prize.

Theo, Theo, Theo!!!!