Danny Welbeck shines on return from injury in Arsenal’s FA Cup demolition of Southampton

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Danny Welbeck marked his return from injury with a clinical display in the final third of the pitch as Arsenal beat Southampton at St Mary’s Stadium to ease into the next round of the FA Cup.

The forward scored twice in the first 22-minutes and also provided the assist for Theo Walcott’s first strike to prove that almost two years of injury issues have not diminished his sharpness of front of goal.

Welbeck has been sidelined for much of the past two seasons with knee injuries but there was no sign of rustiness as he made his first start in eight months against Southampton.

He was a constant threat in the final third of the pitch and was handed a standing ovation from the travelling supporters when he was substituted with just over twenty minutes remaining.

The 26-year-old produced a classy, well-rounded performance that will unfairly be overshadowed somewhat by Theo Walcott’s hat-trick, but Arsene Wenger and Gareth Southgate will certainly have been encouraged by the striker’s display.

No sign of rustiness

Welbeck looked a danger as soon as the contest began and when he latched onto Lucas Perez’s pass with just 15 minutes played the forward produced a sublime, delicate, lofted finish that drifted beyond the on-rushing goalkeeper and clipped the underside of the crossbar on its way into the back of the net.

It was a moment of magic that provided a sudden reminder of his quality, calmness, and composure and his second goal came just seven minutes later. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain floated a pass into the eighteen-yard box and Welbeck instinctively brought the ball under control before poking the ball into the bottom corner.

The 26-year-old has often been criticised by the media for a lack of end product, but within 22 minutes at St Mary’s the striker had clinically converted two goal scoring opportunities without breaking stride. He then demonstrated impressive awareness and unselfishness when he produced an eloquent cut-back that was confidently finished by the waiting Theo Walcott. 35 minutes played; 2 goals and 1 assist to his name.

A boost for Arsenal and England

Arsene Wenger looked delighted as he observed the proceedings from the stands, as he started his FA touchline suspension, and England manager Gareth Southgate will surely have shared the Frenchman’s pleasure from wherever he was watching.

Welbeck’s return will provide both men with a timely boost.

For Wenger, the striker’s impressive comeback will provide Arsenal with a new attacking outlet and should begin to reduce the goal scoring burden that Alexis Sanchez has shouldered for much of the campaign. Arsenal supporters have continuously demanded that the Frenchman delve into the transfer market to sign a world-class forward and Welbeck may just be able to ease the pressure somewhat until the summer. If the striker can rack up the goals that secures Champions League football next season and brings a piece of Silverware back to The Emirates Stadium at the end of this campaign then there will be few complaints from the stands.

Southgate, meanwhile, has something of a striking conundrum to solve for the England national team. First choice forwards Wayne Rooney, Daniel Sturridge and Jamie Vardy have failed to shine this season at club level and only Harry Kane has demonstrated any significant form in domestic football. Welbeck could provide an unexpected boost for the new England manager, especially if he can stay fit and replicate the goalscoring form that he demonstrated at St Mary’s Stadium on Saturday.

Plenty to prove

After over two years of injury misery it was encouraging to see Welbeck sharp, energetic and clinical in front of goal at the weekend. The fact that his return came against an inexperienced Southampton team should not detract from what was an impressive performance, although there still remains plenty of unanswered questions. Will the 26-year-old be able to stay fit? Is he injury prone? Will he be able to cement a place in the Arsenal starting line-up?

Time will tell. But it was certainly nice to see an English striker firing again.

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