Friday, May 3, 2024

5 Arsenal Flop Stories This Season

Danny Welbeck

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Probably the most surprising summer signing (coming on deadline day), from none other than Manchester United, is another player who’s shown promise but not enough of it.

When Yaya Sanogo failed to convert a number of great chances against Leicester City, not two days before deadline day, and Louis Van Gaal considered Welbeck surplus to requirements at United, Arsene Wenger saw this as an opportunity.

It wasn’t quite the signing a section of Gooners had hoped to see, especially when the likes of Radamel Falcao made his way to Old Trafford the same day, but was nevertheless the appropriate cause of action from a manager, who needed a good enough replacement for the then injured Olivier Giroud.

£16m it cost to sign the young England striker, who arrived at the Emirates with a point to prove as a prolific goalscorer, with chances as a centre forward proven limited at Old Trafford.

He almost enjoyed the dream start to life at Arsenal when he hit the post with an audacious chip, during his debut game against Manchester City that month.

He went on to score 4 league goals during this part of the season, his first coming away to Aston Villa, along with a memorable hatrick in the Champions League at home to Galatasaray. His most priceless goal, was the winner at Old Trafford against his former club in the FA Cup quarter-finals, taking his overall season tally to just 8.

The Chelsea game has proved to be his last of the season, as he’s just not been able to shake off a knee problem.

To his credit, his energetic work-rate is admirable but his goalscoring record isn’t very boastful. Personally, I like him and I think next season he has the potential be an even better player, providing that he stays fit, but it’s a bit of a hit and miss with Welbeck this season.

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