Former Arsenal star Theo Walcott has suggested the manager does not trust his squad players.

That is how Walcott interprets many of the selection decisions that Mikel Arteta makes.

Many Gunners supporters believe that Arteta does not rotate his team enough.

Speaking after their 1-0 loss to FC Porto in the Champions League round of 16 first leg, Walcott told BBC Radio Five Live: I remember being in this certain position before and being subbed as a forward player.

[Gabriel] Martinelli, for instance, could be tired, he's worked a lot, he's worked really hard, tracking his full-back quite a lot tonight. Of course, lazy pass, loses the ball [for Porto's goal], but then I've just got to question this squad depth of Arsenal at the start of the game does Mikel trust the players?

He only brought on one sub tonight and I just feel it could've been a game where we completely just shut up shop, maybe just slow it down even slower than it was and take off certain players, obviously [Bukayo] Saka wasn't as effective tonight.

It'll be completely different at the Emirates, I'm sure, but as a coach would you feel you'd want to make more subs knowing that the game is stagnating?"

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Aaron Rodgers skips mandatory minicamp without permission from Jets
Patriots' Matthew Judon opens up about 'tantrums' during contract negotiations
Chiefs DE released from hospital after medical scare
49ers' Kyle Shanahan shares what impresses him about Brock Purdy
Former Rangers, Sharks coach linked to Penguins staff
NFL insider addresses reports on Steelers' Russell Wilson, Justin Fields
Report: Suns to hire two-time Pac-12 Coach of the Year as assistant
Pundits 'disappointed' with 'terrible' decision to omit Caitlin Clark from Olympic team
Panthers claw way to 2-0 Stanley Cup Final lead with win over Oilers
Dan Hurley's decision gives UConn another win, lets fans exhale
USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter under fire as Copa America draws near
Four hot issues ahead of Paris Olympics
Kyrie Irving is letting Luka Doncic down in NBA Finals
Forecasting a potentially surprising cut for every AFC team
Forecasting a potentially surprising cut for every NFC team
Five underrated MLB trade chips contenders should consider targeting
Jordan Love believes Packers 'don't have to have a No. 1 receiver'
Week 16 NASCAR power rankings: Kyle Larson reclaims frontrunner status with Sonoma win
U.S. Open: Five players you should have your eye on at Pinehurst
Stars' Jim Nill wins NHL GM of the Year award for second straight season

Want more news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.