In 2015 Danny Welbeck scored a goal at Old Trafford that saw Arsenal progress to the semi-final of the FA Cup against Reading.
Unfortunately, he picked up a knee injury before the end of the season that ruled him out of the final, and the England international feels like he’s got unfinished business in the competition.
As Arsenal prepared to face Chelsea this weekend, he’s ready to make up for that disappointment, and is certainly in line to start the game.
“With the last cup final, I wasn’t on the pitch and that was disappointing for me,” he told the official site.
“It was a bittersweet moment for me because you know you’ve played your part to get there and your team-mates are winning and lifting the trophy, but you wanted to be a part of that and play a part on the pitch as well.
“It’s difficult but it’s now something that’s behind me and you can’t change it. I’ve got the final to look forward to this season, so it’s something that I’m going to enjoy.
“I’m going to play the game and try to win the final.”
And with plenty of Wembley experience for England, he’s hoping to make an impact.
“Wembley is a place I know really well because I’ve played there multiple times,he said.
“If you know the surroundings a bit better, it gives you that kind of familiarity. It’s a great place to play and what better occasion than the FA Cup final.
“Hopefully we’ll be able to lift the cup again.”
Familiarity is indeed great, but that everton miss was very much at the emirates.
Hoping for a sweet low strike from this chap into the bottom corner. And a giroud header. And an ozil assist for alexis. Or vice versa. That will be all. COYG
Given the defensive absences, might I also add a wish that those three goals are actually enough? That’ll really be all.
Giroud! Giroud! Giroud! Welbeck should train for next season.
Love that picture
I didn’t particularly like that shirt, but I bought a replica after that goal. One of my favorite Arsenal games since we beat Barcelona in 2011.
Welbz copped a lot of flak for those air shots against Everton (one was particularly heinous), but I still think he’s someone who could reach another level if he get’s consistent games/avoids injury. A genuine athlete, works hard, links well with midfield and is generally pretty solid technically. I think his main issue is a lack of conviction up top. In any case, I’d still start him against Chelsea as I think he’s the best fit for our current formation.
Yeah exactly, It’s not as if you can become a professional footballer if you can’t score a chance like that, It’s obviously just something in his head. Like you said, a lack of conviction. If he can just add a ruthlessness to his game I think he has the qualities to be a much better player. Having said that though he’s 26 now so It’s worrying he hasn’t developed it yet, but sometimes with strikers they can just suddenly turn into efficient goalscorers when they get a good run and find some real self belief like Aubameyang or Aduriz have… Read more »
Hasn’t developed what though? I honestly think with a prolific ability to score, welbeck would be world class. name any world class cf and I bet welbeck is better than them in one aspect(even if their main attributes wipe the floor with his). He starts scoring in every other half of a game and people would look at his overall game a lot differently. My only worry is that his ability to counterattack won’t be improved enough at The Arsenal, in the sence that he won’t get enough opportunities to do it here. We tend to spend 60-70% of our… Read more »
At the highest level, players are normally recruited when they can actually do something. I honestly think Welbeck is at his prime and is performing at his best. What is his most prolific season ever? He is just not good enough.
Developed a ruthlessness in front of goal, so yeah I agree with you
The honest truth be told he should be nothing more than a squad player. He wouldn’t be first choice at any top 6 club and as such he shouldn’t be ours. We need a decent ST in the summer to come in.
That said, best of luck Danny in the final and i’ll love it if you score, but my gut tells me we’ll get a pasting.
– Welbeck has what Giroud lacks: Deployment in the field, sprint, and intelligence to anticipate opponents.
– Giroud has what Welbeck lacks: Efficiency on every touching ball, goalscorer instinct with feet and head and control under opponents pressure.
– Both lack ball control in velocity, aggressiveness, consistency in the long term.
Welbeck + Giroud= 2/3 of 1 complete first class goalscorer
Totally agree with this. For me, we need to push the boat out for a starting striker, will probably have to break the transfer record to do it, then these 2 can play backup (Welbeck can also play wide or behind the striker).
If possible I wouldn’t mind Mbappe at all, a younger guy who can grow into the role with Giroud and Welbeck helping him along.
I have the feeling this FA Cup final will be decided by penalty shoot-out.