Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has defended striker Danny Welbeck despite his ordinary scoring record since joining the Gunners from Manchester United.
Welbeck has scored just seven goals in 26 matches for the London giants, and hasn’t started either of Arsenal’s last two matches.
But ahead of Monday’s FA Cup sixth round clash with United, Wenger has lavised praise on the England international.
‘Danny puts a big effort in, he plays very well for me and is an exceptional player who will have a great future here,’ the Arsenal boss said.
‘I am convinced the subject is raised because he is a former United player. I am very, very happy that I bought him. He’s one of the players who has played the most games for us but not in the last couple of games.
‘You can make an individual debate on every single player but what is important is that you have moments in the season where some players play a bit less.
‘Most of the time it’s up front because not every single player can play every game in the biggest part of the season. You have a player like (Olivier) Giroud who is playing at the moment but he missed four months. During that period, Welbeck played every game.’
Monday’s game at Old Trafford is crucial for both clubs, as it remains the best chance for them both to land a trophy this season.
Arsenal’s record against United is poor in recent years, but Wenger said: ‘I don’t believe too much in history, I just believe in the performance on the day. We are doing very well away from home.
‘The size of the pitch is the same everywhere, it’s down to how much effort we put in to win the game. It is a special intensity because it is between two teams who have a chance to win this competition.
‘Both teams will think “if we get over this hurdle, we have a good opportunity to win the competition”.’
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