Educating Theo

Nicholas: Walcott's reputation preceded him in Kiev

Theo won't be concerned about the left-back; he knows he's got the beating of him. The left-back, on the other hand, will be thinking 'I need help'.

Charlie Nicholas
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Charlie Nicholas lamented two points dropped for Arsenal but told Sky Sports News that the bruising 1-1 draw at Dynamo Kiev was a learning curve for the Gunners - not least, England's man of the moment, Theo Walcott.

Captain William Gallas rescued Arsene Wenger's side in their Champions League group opener two minutes from time, after Ismael Bangoura had given the home side a surprise lead from the penalty spot.

Some crunching tackles on Walcott has prompted Wenger to accuse the Kiev left-back, Andriy Nesmachniy, of trying to "destroy" his hottest young property.

But former Gunner Nicholas focused on the psychological benefits of what was a physical battle in the Ukraine.

"It was two points lost, to be honest," Nicholas told Sky Sports News.

"They made plenty of chances, especially in the first half. Van Persie could have got a hat trick, Adebayor could have had a couple and Fabregas, who is starting to get his fitness together, should also have scored.

"When they went one down, I was a little concerned - their record is poor in the Ukraine; it's a difficult place to go to and win - but I think it was a pretty convincing mentally-tough performance.

Reality-time

"It's reality-time for Theo after his glorious performance for England in Croatia; he's such a talent and the top players in the world are targets.

"They were quite crude challenges on him but because he's a winger who likes to take people on - and because he's not like Wayne Rooney who can fight and scrap - he's got to accept that he's going to get hit.

"Some of the challenges were over the top but it's all part of Theo's education. A year ago we were hoping he'd be at this level for Arsenal; now he's reaching those peaks, so it's a complement in a way."

Walcott could face Nesmachniy again when England take on the Ukraine in the World Cup qualifiers but Nicholas doubts a rematch would faze the 19-year-old.

"Theo won't be concerned about the left-back; he knows he's got the beating of him. The left-back, on the other hand, will be thinking 'I need help,' so it's advantage Theo.

"He'll start to understand the reasons he's being picked out and that maturity will give him a big advantage."

Uphill battle

But Celtic, more disappointed with their goalless draw against Danish minnows Aalborg at Parkhead, face a mammoth task to qualify from the group stages, according to Nicholas, who started his career with the Bhoys.

"To be fair to Aalborg played a good game and looked a decent side.

"Celtic now have to take something from Villareal and then probably from Old Trafford; that's an enormous task.

"They've faced uphill battles before but it's always been the home form that's got them there so dropping points at home is a massive loss."

And while Nicholas admits a third stalemate at Old Trafford came as a surprise, he expects the defending champions to quickly assert their authority on Group E.

"When Berbatov comes back and Ronaldo gets fit, I think Manchester United will start to motor a bit more," he added.

"I was very surprised with the scoreline - not surprised that Villareal put in a decent performance - but I still think Manchester United are favourites to win the group."