Arsenal face a crucial game this evening against Southampton in the Premier League, as the Gunners look to convert one of their games in hand into three important points that could prove to be key to their hopes of playing in the Champions League next season.
Victory on the South Coast would see Arsenal leapfrog Manchester United into fifth position in the standings, putting Arsene Wenger’s side three points behind Manchester City and four points off Liverpool- holding another game in hand on the latter.
However failure to secure a win would see the Gunners needing their rivals to drop further points in the remaining two weeks of the season, which seems highly unlikely, so Wenger’s team needs to go for broke this evening.
After a stand-out performance against Manchester United on Sunday, which included scoring the vital second goal against his former employers, Danny Welbeck must be selected to lead the line once again in tonight’s clash.
The Gunners’ attack looked far more threatening and fluid than he had done with Olivier Giroud previously, as the Frenchman doesn’t quite fit the 3-4-2-1 formation that Arsenal have adopted in recent weeks.
Welbeck, however, is the perfect fit to spearhead Arsenal’s attacking trident in front of Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil, with both of the Gunners’ top-class superstars performing well in the games where Arsenal have adopted the new set-up.
With Welbeck leading the line, Arsenal’s attack is more dynamic and much more difficult to defend against- especially when the wing-backs, likely to be Kieran Gibbs and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain tonight, continue to flood forward.
Welbeck’s position in the side allows Arsenal to threaten greatly going forward, as Wenger’s team can play the slow build-up play they’re used to, utilise space down the wings or, crucially, go direct as Welbeck’s pace is a real asset.
It’s a crucial year ahead for 26-year-old Welbeck, who has struggled with injuries since making a £16m move to North London from Manchester United, and Sunday’s goal was only his second of the season- with the England international earning just six starts.
Welbeck needs to prove his fitness and suitability to Arsenal’s new formation, especially with the Gunners reportedly eyeing further attacking recruits this summer- which could give Welbeck further competition for places.
However, Welbeck’s versatility is a crucial asset as he can lead the line, play out wide or potentially play just behind the main attacker- and he could become a decisive player for a new-look Arsenal side should Alexis and Ozil leave this summer.
Welbeck will be at the forefront of Arsenal’s attack should that star duo leave, with the England ace’s role in the side being crucial just like Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s new found position. Having united for the second goal on Sunday, that pairing could be match winners again tonight.