The times are tough on the south coast, but Southampton are putting on a great fight to remain in the Premier League. Their 3-3 draw with Tottenham is seen as Spurs’ failure and the trigger for Antonio Conte’s remarkable rant in front of TV cameras, but it’s also a big step for the red and whites and their new coach Ruben Selles.Theo Walcott is one of the players whose quality is proving priceless for the Spanish tactician. The former Arsenal and Everton man enjoys playing for his boyhood club in the twilight of his career. But despite being 34 and losing a big chunk of the blistering pace, Theo started back-to-back EPL games for the first time since August 2021. Last weekend, he provided an assist for Che Adams’ equaliser, and he scored to thwart Spurs and put a potentially decisive point on the board.A goal and an assist against Spurs for Theo Walcott. Once a Gooner, always a Gooner 🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/4bXaN4yJva— Gunners (@Gunnersc0m) March 18, 2023 The former England international admitted recently that he could retire at the end of the season, but no decision has been made. In the meantime, his resurgence is a delight for Selles.”Well, Theo is training really well and he’s very important for the dressing room. His quality as a footballer you have no question about it. I have no doubt to use him when I need to use him. So I cannot add more words about his performance.”##NAJAVA_MECA_7115774##Walcott is a leader in the dressing room and works alongside captain James Ward-Prowse and the likes of Kyle Walker-Peters to guide and advise. Saints academy product Walcott won trophies with Arsenal and competed in major tournaments with England – but is now dealing with a less glamorous task of battling relegation.”It’s very different. I’ve never really experienced this. While I was playing for Everton, we had a few scenarios like this, but this is a bit more sort of intense, I’d say. Right now, quite frankly, it doesn’t remember how we play, we just have to get results. Simple as that. Make things happen, grind out results, work hard for each other.”Theo Walcott scored and assisted for Southampton today in their 3-3 comeback against Tottenham 🔥Once a Gunner, always a Gunner 🔴👀 pic.twitter.com/1xiU2GXMXh— SPORTbible (@sportbible) March 18, 2023 Southampton are currently bottom of the table, but are also just two points adrift of the much-coveted 17th position. Selles’ men do have more games played than fellow strugglers Bournemouth, West Ham, Leicester and Nottingham Forest. The fight will likely go all the way to the last day of the season. In such situations, you need your experienced players to step in. Thankfully for Selles, he can count on Walcott to deliver.
