Starting for Arsenal for the first time in seven months, Danny Welbeck is clearly not bothered any more by the knee injury that kept him sidelined for so long. He scored the first two goals of the day and assisted on the third to put Arsenal up 5-0 over Southampton in the FA Cup.

After overcoming severe injury problems, the striker proved he can contribute to the Gunners with his goals in a tremendous display.

First start in seven months for Danny Welbeck

Both managers had made 10 changes to the team that played their previous matches but Saints’ young side was no match for Arsenal’s more experienced XI.

Claude Puel’s forced decision to field a much weakened team certainly played into the Gunners hands, allowing the Gunners to take advantage. Southampton players appeared to be confused with the system they were playing in. However, with his side reaching a Wembley final by beating Liverpool in the last four of the League Cup at Anfield in midweek, Southampton manager Claude Puel had little choice over his team selection.

Danny Welbeck suffered two consecutive knee injuries that kept him out of the side for a long period of time and only made a return to action (as substitute) this month after nearly a year out of the game.

His contributions against the Saints certainly proved how valuable he can be for Arsenal this season if he stays fit. The impressive away support spent much of the game singing the name of the former Manchester United forward. Arsene Wenger, who served the first match of his four game suspension, would be delighted that he is beginning to repay the faith put on him.

There was something special about Danny Welbeck’s brace against Southampton. The England forward in his first start for the club in 7 months took just 15 minutes to remind the fans of his attacking qualities. Many were predicting a tough tie, but Welbeck’s superb dinked finish from a Lucas Perez assist ensured that was not going to be the case.

Welbeck is a popular figure both inside and outside of Arsenal and many neutrals would be pleased to see him make a successful return to action. The Englishman looked lively as Arsenal dismantled Southampton and would definitely provide a boost to the Gunners as they look to close the gap on top of the table.

Regaining touch important for Arsenal’s title challenge

The injury had been Danny Welbeck’s second affecting the same knee since joining Arsenal in 2014 and the player had not shown any psychological ill-effects. Welbeck’s infectious pressing and tremendous work rate drew similarities to Alexis Sanchez at times and he is exactly the kind of player Arsenal need in their title chase over the coming months.

As it was, his touch illustrated his rustiness and the opportunity evaporated. However, Welbeck’s darting movement showed just how much he has to offer. When he regains match fitness, he would surely be a major contributor to this Arsenal side’s attempts to claw back Chelsea’s advantage in the Premier League.

Welbeck has quickly worked his way back into Arsene Wenger’s plans. Since returning to full training, the former Manchester United man has been involved in three consecutive Arsenal games. He didn’t play a single minute with the reserves, instead he was entrusted with the senior side. That gives some indication as to the esteem in which Wenger holds him. Arsenal are not short of attacking talent, yet Welbeck has seemingly leapfrogged the likes of Lucas Perez in the pecking order.

Wenger seems to have an implicit trust in the striker. Throughout his career, Welbeck has been a favourite with several managers. His value lies partly in his tactical discipline. He plays without ego, constantly working for the benefit of the team. Even against Burnley, he rotated out to the left flank when required, showing his selflessness and versatility when Alexis Sanchez sought to take up a more central position.

Tough Competition

There is tough competition though. If Welbeck wants to revitalise his Arsenal career then it’s imperative that he makes an almost immediate impact. Wenger has encouraged squad rotation this season and game time will be afforded to the likes of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Lucas Perez but the ultimate aim for all of these players is a regular spot in the starting line-up.

Lucas Perez is another whose contributions could prove pivotal and he has now directly contributed to 12 goals, with six of his own and as many assists in his last 14 appearances. The Spaniard, like Welbeck, was the subject of criticism for struggling to impact matches from the bench. Added to that, Olivier Giroud has scored 10 goals this season, Walcott now has 11 goals and the talismanic Alexis has 17 goals and 10 assists to his name.

With Sanchez having shifted inside to flourish in that role in the time since, Welbeck is unlikely to assume that status again. However, he has the potential to be a useful substitute, adding pace and power to the Arsenal attack across the frontline. And, he would add more competition to the likes of Sanchez and Giroud for the striker’s role. His most likely starting spot is on that left-wing, where he could soon find himself in direct competition with Alex Iwobi. A front three of Welbeck, Sanchez and Theo Walcott would certainly have enough speed to terrify any defence.

The 26-year-old is a clear example of how squad depth could benefit Arsene Wenger’s side for the first time in years. Since losing the back-to-back games against Everton and Manchester City, Arsenal have gone seven games unbeaten in all competitions and look like a unified team who are hungry for silverware. The competition that Wenger knows so well and has won six times may be coming home – and the variety of options Arsenal have in attack could be the difference between another trip to Wembley.

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