Time for Arsenal ace to replicate international form

Danny Welbeck was yet again a star for Roy Hodgson’s England after bagging a well-taken brace in the Three Lions’ 3-1 victory over Slovenia on Saturday.

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— Arsenal Mania (@arsenalmania) November 16, 2014

When Welbeck scores for England, when Oxlade-Chamberlain links up with Kieran Gibbs, when Theo Walcott’s return is said to be a huge boost for England, I’m overcome with pride; well, usually I am. However, after the former Manchester United striker coolly dispatched another Three Lions double, I’ll be honest, I was little bit miffed.

Welbeck has really become a fans’ favourite since signing from the Red Devils, however, his goal record for the Gunners has optimised what a lot of people were saying about the striker; he’s a real worker, selfless but no more than a goal every three games sort of striker.

Since moving to the Emirates, Welbeck’s Arsenal stats read – five goals in twelve games (three in four in the Champions League and two in eight in the Premier League). Is that an acceptable return?

If you take out the hat-trick that the 23-year-old bagged against Galatasaray, then Welbeck’s record reads two goals in eleven games and us Gooners know we’ve lambasted players in the past despite them no doubt having a better start to Arsenal life, statistics-wise, then Welbeck.

With Alexis Sanchez taking up the mantle as Arsenal’s main man, with his phenomenal goalscoring record, the onus has somewhat been removed on Welbeck to find his shooting boots.

Maybe all the traits we heap praise on Welbeck for – his selfless play, his work ethic and his link-up play – are actually hindering the striker’s goal tally(?) Imagine if instead of dropping back to centre-midfield to win back possession, he was in and around the last defender ready to pounce? Imagine if instead of making Arsenal’s thirty-fourth pass of the move, he actually took a ‘pop’ from 20-yards?

Don’t get me wrong, I like Welbeck. However, I feel his impact may have somewhat been overhyped and with Olivier Giroud close to a return, Welbeck may well find his place under threat.