3 reasons why forgotten Arsenal man can help in push for league title

It looks as though the November curse has struck once again over at the Emirates, with Arsenal struggling to show themselves as potential Premier League champions in their last two outings against Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United.

But Arsene Wenger’s men have still managed to hold onto their unbeaten streak which now stretches to 17 in all competitions. And a decent run of domestic fixtures between now and Christmas means that the north London outfit could be in a strong position just in time for the return of Danny Welbeck.

The former Man United striker has been out since May, but his boss hasn’t ruled out a return to first-team action before the end of the year.

And here are three reasons why the 25-year-old can play a huge role in securing Wenger’s fourth Premier League title.

Experience

Welbeck is no stranger to Premier League glory, having lifted the title back in the 2012-13 campaign with United. He played no less than 27 games that year for the Red Devils, although he only started 13 of those.

Not one to complain, however, the England international relishes the opportunity to come off the bench and make a difference., as he did on two occasions last season between February and April.

And with 167 top-flight appearances to his name, along with 36 goals, there’s no doubting the importance of a player like Welbeck in the latter stages of the season.

Link-up play

Welbeck has just 11 league games to his name in the last 19 months as injuries have massively halted his development since arriving at the Emirates in 2014.

But in those games, the forward showed flashes of brilliance, and it’s frightening to think what the Gunners could have achieved had he been fit for the whole of last season.

Welbeck particularly impressed when playing alongside Alex Iwobi, and it’s clear the pair have a great understanding on the pitch.

Iwobi has now established himself as a first-team regular, and the return of his teammate will only benefit the squad as a whole in the long run.

Versatility

Liverpool have stood out thus far this season for their style of play, scoring a league-best 30 goals in 12 games without a recognised striker playing week-in, week-out.

Instead, they allow Roberto Firmino, Philippe Coutinho and Sadio Mane to mix things up in the final third throughout the 90 minutes – and that’s a tactic Wenger could deploy on Welbeck’s return.

The French boss is using Olivier Giroud as an impact substitute, leaving Alexis Sanchez to play through the middle, with Theo Walcott and Iwobi out wide.

But Welbeck’s versatility means he can fill any of the front three roles with relative ease, allowing himself, Walcott and Sanchez to share the burden of finding the net, quite like the front three over at Anfield.

Welbeck is fast approaching the best years of his career. And providing he stays fit, the Gunners could be a real force to be reckoned with.

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