Wenger's hurting Arsenal by not starting Walcott'

Former Manchester United and England centre-back Rio Ferdinand has criticised Arsene Wenger's decision to leave Theo Walcott on the bench against Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday.

The England forward was left out of the starting XI as the Gunners boss rang the changes in Croatia for the Champions League group stage opener, with Olivier Giroud, who was preferred in attack to Walcott, sent off after only 40 minutes.

Walcott was eventually introduced as a second-half substitute and scored as Arsenal fell to a 2-1 defeat and Ferdinand believes that Wenger made the wrong call in not opting to feature the 26-year-old from the start.

He told BT Sport: "They've got to give Theo a chance [up front]. He's been there all these years, he's mooted about wanting to be a centre forward. I think Wenger is hurting Arsenal by not giving him a sustained period playing up front.

"Give him a chance to prove himself, if he can't do it then go out and buy someone."

Gunners legend Ian Wright added: "I would've started Walcott just because he played against Stoke, scored a very good goal. Came on tonight again and scored a very good goal. He's got the momentum.

"At the moment Giroud doesn't seem to be in the right place. Booed off for France the other week. It's just not quite happening for him. It's Theo's time. Arsenal have to find a way to play to Theo's strengths."