When Danny Welbeck was named in the line up ahead of Alexis Sanchez at Bournemouth, many Arsenal fans raised eyebrows. In what was a must win game, why was Wenger willing to leave Alexis on the bench for a player that has continuously failed to impress, especially in front of goal?
Well Welbeck took the opportunity and did not disappoint.
As well as netting twice, he also picked up an assist for Lacazette’s goal and also nearly forced another goal when he closed down Asmir Begovic so well. Clearly brimming with confidence after scoring his brace, the Englishman was unlucky not to complete a hat trick in the 60th minute when a cute chip nearly found the far corner. Wenger was full of praise for the forward after his performance.
Welbeck is often criticised for his lack of finishing ability but he certainly showed a different side to his game on Saturday afternoon, especially with his finish for the third goal, where he found the corner so well.
We’ve only seen such a clinical Welbeck a handful of times in an Arsenal shirt since his move from Manchester United, but it must not be forgotten how unlucky he has been with injuries during his few years at the club. Two season ending injuries has meant he hasn’t managed to find any sort of rhythm about his attacking game. Can he score again in the next Premier League game? Check out www.thebookiesoffers.
Welbeck is not a young player anymore, but considering the injuries he has suffered, the 26-year-old still has a chance to evolve into an important player for Arsenal. His work rate is admirable, he just needs to develop his finesse and technical side of his game. This will come with confidence and if he can keep his place in the team and keep scoring goals, then that confidence and ability will grow. There’s a reason great managers like Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger are such big fans of the player.
Now Wenger has a selection headache. Surely Alexis cannot be left out against Chelsea, but how can Welbeck be dropped after this performance? The same goes for Ozil and Lacazette who make up the rest of the front three, who were all impressive against Bournemouth. It’ll be interesting to see the kind of line up he opts for against Cologne in the Europa League on Thursday, as that may provide an indication of who will feature against Chelsea in the crucial Premier League meeting on Sunday. Welbeck is a fan favourite for many, but Alexis received a mixed reception after his deadline day move to Manchester City broke down.