What Does the Future Hold for Arsenal's Forgotten Man, Danny Welbeck?

When Danny Welbeck moved to London from Manchester United last summer, he hoped for a fresh start that would begin a bright new chapter in his career. However, 18 months into his time with the Gunners, he has become the forgotten man of the Arsenal front line. A knee injury has kept him out of action since the spring, and Welbeck may now be wondering what the future holds at the Emirates Stadium.

It’s a shame, because things began brightly for Welbeck in north London. When Olivier Giroud suffered a fractured leg just before the transfer deadline, his pace and power was a welcome addition to a Gunners squad short on firepower. His speed and movement brought a fresh dynamic to Arsenal’s attack, and some fans even expected Welbeck to retain his place after Giroud’s return. 

It was not to be. After some promising early performances, the goals began to dry up for Welbeck. When Giroud returned in spectacular form, Welbeck found himself pushed out to the side—quite literally. Although he had come to Arsenal with his eyes set on his preferred position at centre-forward, by Christmas he had largely been restored to his United role as an auxiliary winger.

Jon Super/Associated Press

Nevertheless, he was offered the occasional run-out as a striker and notched the crucial winning goal on his return to Old Trafford in the FA Cup quarter-final. It seemed Welbeck had a part to play as Giroud’s direct back-up. 

However, he may have fallen behind in the queue for places. As Welbeck’s knee began to impinge upon his playing time, Theo Walcott made his return to action. As Giroud’s form faded, Arsene Wenger decided to repurpose the former Southampton man as a centre-forward.

Matt Dunham/Associated Press

Watching from the sidelines, Welbeck must have been enormously frustrated. Walcott went on to start in the FA Cup Final, and Welbeck must have wondered if he might have been afforded the chance to play had he been fit.

Instead, Walcott scored in a superb team performance. When Welbeck does eventually return, he’ll find both Walcott and Giroud above him in Arsenal’s attacking hierarchy.

However, Walcott’s emergence is not entirely bad news for Welbeck. Part of the reason he found himself sidelined in the second half of last season is that Arsenal developed a style of play that was contingent on having Giroud as their focal point. The fact that the team has since grown accustomed to playing with Walcott could suit Welbeck, as his style is arguably more in that mobile vein.

Take Alexis Sanchez, by way of example. His best performances in an Arsenal shirt have tended to come when playing alongside one of either Walcott or Welbeck. Their ability to break at electric speed suits his game. If Wenger recognises that pattern, it could mean more chances for Welbeck through the middle.

Tim Ireland/Associated Press

He will doubtless also be used on the flank to give the likes of Alexis the occasional break. Currently, Wenger seems loath to rest the Chilean. Welbeck’s return might allow him a rare chance to do so.

Alexis and Welbeck are different players, but the Englishman does offer some of the work rate and athleticism Alexis brings to the left flank. Welbeck is arguably the player best suited to replacing the Chilean when the occasion suits.

It won’t be easy for Welbeck. By the time he returns to action, the likes of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Jack Wilshere will also be in contention for attacking roles in the team. However, Wenger is likely to retain faith in the former United man as an important member of the squad.

Versatility and adaptability will be crucial weapons for Welbeck in the battle for a first-team place. A spot as a regular starter might seem unrealistic, but he’ll surely be afforded plenty of game time between January and the end of the season.