As Metro reported, another underwhelming performance from Yaya Sanogo led the Arsenal fans to turn up the pressure on their manager's transfer plans ahead of the January window deadline day. In came Danny Welbeck.
To some, he was an uncut diamond who was brimming with potential. To many others, he was simply not a true Premier League striker. The Manchester United academy graduate had little time to answer these questions as he was thrust into the limelight - the scrutiny was about to begin.
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The frontman’s first two missions came in the form of Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund. Against the reigning champions, he found himself clean through on goal with a chance any player would relish, his delightful chip beat Joe Hart but did not beat the City woodwork.
Game two in Dortmund was equally frustrating; the delivery from Arsenal’s array of creative midfielders was exceptional. Welbeck though, seemed to lack composure as most of his attempts sailed over the bar.
He had arrived and scored exactly the kind of goal that Arsenal need to be scoring more often
His opening performances had done little to deter the criticism. Yet his response may well have done. Villa Park was the setting, and a beautiful cross from Mesut Ozil found Welbeck’s outstretched right foot. He had arrived and scored exactly the kind of goal that Arsenal need to be scoring more often. A striker in the right place at the right time.
Mere days later, Galatasaray felt the full force of his unfulfilled potential: a combination of stunning passing, excellent movement and cool finishing tore the Turkish side to shreds. Danny Welbeck claimed his first professional hat-trick and Arsenal ran out 4-1 winners.
Where were the critics now? Possibly joining the other 60,000 Gunners supporters in chants of “Danny Welbeck, He scores when he wants!”
Consistent questions
The main question that still remains however is can he retain the required level of consistency? His most recent performances for England produced an effective showing against San Marino, yet a laboured performance against Estonia. Arsenal fans must be finding this frustrating and longing to know just what kind of player Welbeck really is.
In his defence, he has not been at the club for long, time is surely required for him to fully settle in with Arsenal’s unique style. Unfortunately for Welbeck, leading the line every week in the Premier League is a cruel mistress.
Rare opportunity
Furthermore, in his latter years at Manchester United, he never really occupied his favoured striking position. As he rightly claimed in The Mirror though, “play four strikers on the wing and see if they score goals”. Surely Welbeck’s best moments are going to be as a centre forward.
Only time will tell whether he will adapt to his favoured role and consistently deliver up front. Time will also answer the question on every Arsenal fan’s lips; can Danny Welbeck lead Arsenal to the Premier League title?
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