Danny Welbeck’s first start for Arsenal this season was a roaring success against Southampton as he scored twice and set up Theo Walcott for the first of his hat-trick, but Arsene Wenger will not risk Danny playing again tomorrow so soon after his excellent comeback.
Wenger said this morning: “He has done enough. But we must be cautious. I think it is a bit short after three days.”
“The quality of the performance was there.”
Theo Walcott was also excellent on his comeback, helped by Perez, and Wenger admits that he now has a selection headache in the striking department. “I am pleased first of all with their performance.
“We have scored many goals this season and Danny was not there so to add him to the squad gives us huge offensive potential.
“I have to use the strikers in the right moment without destroying the balance of the team.
“I will add Perez who contributed well on Saturday. We have many players who can produce and score.”
Wenger also noted: “It feels like I have many new strikers because Lucas Perez played very well and I left Olivier Giroud at home.
“The problem will now be to find the right combination which will use them well in games. The result is strong with the balance of the team.”
So against Watford, who will Wenger pick up front this time? Alexis played the last 20 minutes against the Saints and it looks like Wenger will play him in every game I am sure. I think Giroud was given a rest so he can start against Watford, but that leaves Perez, Walcott or Iwobi as the possibilities on the right wing.
Or will Wenger put Alexis back in the middle flanked by Iwobi and Walcott? Or Perez and Walcott?
Who would you choose?