Why Danny Welbeck can be an effective tool for Unai Emery’s Arsenal

Opinions are always likely to be split where Danny Welbeck’s concerned, and though the adaptable attacker is widely regarded as a relative liability in the final third, his recent performances in an Arsenal shirt, most markedly against Brentford, have undoubtedly highlighted the glaring reality that he’s a deeply effective tool for the Gunners.

The north-Londoners progressed to the 4th round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night after downing Championship outfit Brentford 3-1 at the Emirates and Welbeck netted an assured brace to gift his employers a vital two-goal cushion going into the break.

Renowned for his marauding athleticism, ‘Dat Guy’ also showcased his adroit aerial expertise against the Bees to devastating effect. Connecting to a searching Matteo Guendouzi cross, Welbeck soared above the scrambling melee on the parameter of the 6-yard box to divert a ferocious header past a flailing Luke Daniels.

Though Welbeck’s often deployed on the channels, the England international proved that he’s still capable of beating his markers under pressure to ruthlessly punish the opponent in the danger area. In Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s absence in the danger area, the 27-year-old is a predominant focal point that needs to be fed if he’s going to be effective in his department.

The Gunners’ second goal of the encounter was swiftly constructed, and after Brentford’s defensive quarters were dissected, Nacho Monreal intelligently supplied an expectant Welbeck from the left of the penalty box. With the goal at his mercy, the former Manchester United striker relied on his predatory instinct to nudge the ball into the goalmouth, further indication of his deadly prowess across the offensive spearhead in critical positions.

Throughout the remainder of the tie against Brentford, Welbeck endeavoured to relentlessly tamper with Dean Smith’s perilled rearguard. Tireless in his exploits, Arsenal’s often discarded No.23 yanked, pulled and harassed his outfought markers into vulnerability, which subsequently enabled his teammates to orchestrate comfortably and profitably.

With 4 goals in 6 outings to his name in all competitions thus far, Welbeck is endearing himself to Arsenal’s famous ‘Gooners’ once more and is evidently flourishing into an exceedingly dependable marksman. If the club are to truly progress under Unai Emery’s innovative command, they’ll need every notable figurehead of the attacking contingent to be firing on all cylinders at every conceivable opportunity – Welbeck is ultimately testament to the mandatory drive, tenacity and application required to prevail triumphant.

Distributed as a leading hit-man by Unai Emery, Welbeck’s innate tendencies to inhabit the flanks intentionally aided Arsenal’s impending advancements. An unpredictable threat for any seasoned defender to snare, Welbeck is an invaluable asset to the club, and now that his viperous aptitude in front of the target has been duly highlighted once more, the club’s Spanish tactician will almost certainly have a selection dilemma on his hands, and a very welcome quandary at that if he continues to mercilessly dispatch his chances.