This is Danny Welbeck’s 4th season at Arsenal in 2014, and he has started in explosive style with one goal against Leicester on the opening day and following it up with another two in Saturday’s win over Bournemouth. Compared to last season, when he scored just twice in 16 League appearances this is amazing!
So why has this change come about? Welbeck has been plagued by injuries since his arrival and made only 52 appearances in three full seasons, and Danny himself thinks that the fact that he has been involved in the pre-season preparations for the first time with Arsenal has made a big difference. As he said on Saturday: “The past two years I didn’t have a pre-season and that made it a bit difficult for me, so I’m pleased to have a pre-season. With some of the games that we’ve played at the start of the season it’s not gone too well, but I’m pleased to be on the scoresheet and long may it continue.”
Surely he has made a case for himself to be a regular starter in the first XI for now, but with players like Alexis, Walcott, Iwobi and Giroud also pushing for a starting spot it won’t be easy, but danny is used to fighting for his place. “There’s always competition when you’re at a club like Arsenal.” he said. “There’s always going to be competition, not just with the players here but players worldwide. Everyone would love to get the opportunity to play here so there’s always competition and I think that makes it better for you as a player. It makes you want to improve and just keep on doing your best.”
So what does Wenger think about Welbeck’s goals? “Yep, I’m pleased with his performance, I kept faith in him and overall I think he is getting stronger and stronger and more confident. Confidence plays a big part in his game and I loved his finishing on his second goal.
“Of course he has all the physical qualities to play at that level. If he can add the finishing, he’s a team player as well, he is loved by his partners, so that’s a lot of positives.”
This is all good news for Arsenal, and if Welbeck can keep scoring we will have a formidable line-up of strikers to keep our opponents guessing. But the MOST important thing for Welbeck is to stay fit for the whole season and stay in contention….