Arsenal Vs Ostersunds: 5 things we learned – Job done

2. Alexandre Lacazette will be required

Danny Welbeck was afforded his starting opportunity. With Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang cup-tied and Alexandre Lacazette absent through a knee injury, the only senior fit striker that Wenger had available was Welbeck. Not exactly the sturdiest of situations. It was proven here.

Now, Welbeck was not exactly a liability — there was one skied, first-time effort with which he should have done better with and another reverse pass to Alex Iwobi that he egotistically denied, only to then be denied himself by a sound, if simple, challenge by the defender. But he was not necessarily a help either. He did not create much. His movement was limited. His quality on the ball waned.

There was an absence of guile about his performance. This X-Factor that is so often referred to in regards to these top strikers. It is something that Welbeck most certainly does not have. He’s industrious, yes. He’s physical, powerful, quick, and technically sound. But he’s not a natural goalscorer, and nor will he ever be. Against better opposition, Lacazette will be required. Let’s hope that his fitness allows him to answer that call.