Transfer Deadline Day was not a happy one for Arsenal fans, who were left frustrated with their side’s virtual inactivity in the market and seeing out-of-favour defensive pair Matheiu Debuchy and Carl Jenkinson remain at the Emirates.

Furthermore, their frustrations with winter business at The Emirates paled into insignificance as they watched struggling Watford pull off another shock in their own backyard as two early goals got them on their way to a memorable 2-1 win.

Manager Arsene Wenger was lambasted by some corners of the Gunners support for his decision to leave Danny Welbeck out of the Premier League clash with Watford on Tuesday.

The former Manchester United man returned from a lengthy spell on the side-lines in spectacular fashion against Southampton at the weekend, bagging a brace in the 5-0 FA Cup win, his first start since May.

The England international surprised even his manager, who was sat in the stands for the first of a four match ban, with his physicality and sharpness as he caused a makeshift Saints defence problems throughout, before making way for Alexis Sanchez in the second half.

However, after such a sensational return to the fold, Welbeck wasn’t even named among the subs on Tuesday night.

Wenger had made it clear that he would not be rushing his man back from injury, however, many fans took this as a sign that he would be an introduction off the bench against the Hornets.

Whilst the striker may have had a say against Walter Mazzarri’s side, the Frenchman was spot on to leave him out of proceedings on the night.

Whilst a loss to bottom-half opposition, especially at home, is unexpected and hard to take in any situation, Wenger has bigger fish to fry and will want Welbeck to in perfect shape for the coming months.

With Bayern Munich approaching in the Champions League round of 16, as well as Premier League clashes with Chelsea and Liverpool on the horizon.

It is also important to remember that whilst Welbeck made an impressive impact at the weekend, he did so against a back line cobbled together amidst injuries and a packed fixture list.

The young and vastly inexperienced Saints back four of Cuco Martina, Jack Stephens, Florin Gardos, who was making his first appearance in two years, and Sam McQueen, have never played competitively together and it more than showed.

With that in mind, a first choice, more physical, Watford back four would have been a completely different kettle of fish. Should the ex-United man have played and not put in a similar performance, just three days on from his return, a large dent in his confidence could have had longer reaching effects on his return.

In truth, Welbeck would have found it difficult to turn in a performance anywhere near the level of that on show at St. Mary’s. Wenger is much better off limiting his return to short bursts where he can continue his form, with adequate rest in between, and thus having him at the peak of his powers for the run in.