Pain in the Arsenal
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Arsenal Vs Brentford: 5 things we learned – Pass, pass and pass

By Andrew Dowdeswell

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 26: Danny Welbeck of Arsenal scores his sides first goal during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Arsenal and Brentford at Emirates Stadium on September 26, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 26: Danny Welbeck of Arsenal scores his sides first goal during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Arsenal and Brentford at Emirates Stadium on September 26, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 26: Danny Welbeck of Arsenal scores his sides first goal during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Arsenal and Brentford at Emirates Stadium on September 26, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 26: Danny Welbeck of Arsenal scores his sides first goal during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Arsenal and Brentford at Emirates Stadium on September 26, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /

3. Danny Welbeck a valuable third option

Danny Welbeck may not be a flashy centre-forward. He may miss some fairly easy and obvious chances. He may have an inconsistent touch, an awkward, gangly style, and moments of utterly bizarre and puzzling play, but he is still an extremely valuable piece of the Arsenal squad.

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Welbeck has scored four goals already this season. No other player in the squad has scored more than two. And that is having made just two starts all year, this and last week’s win over FC Vorskla. He scored in both games.

On this occasion, first, it was an angled header that was nicely placed in the corner of the goal. Matteo Guendouzi’s cross was excellent; Brentford’s marking was not. And Welbeck was the welcome beneficiary, finishing the early opportunity well. And then it was a simple tap-in from a beautiful flowing move that swept through the length of the pitch with pace and precision.

Welbeck will score 10-15 goals this season. As long as he avoids injury, he will be a key player in the domestic cups and Europa League, as well as late-game cameos in the league. As a third-choice striking option, that is extremely useful indeed. His utility should not be overlooked.