England put doubts to rest about the state of their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign with a satisfying 2-0 win over Switzerland tonight. A nation still suffering the after effects of a horrendous performance in Brazil, England can rest easy that their Three Lions are headed in the right direction.
Jack Wilshere, albeit not in his best performance, gave a glimpse of what life after Steven Gerrard could be like for England. Jordan Henderson, tireless as ever, filled his usual quota of long runs and defensive cover. Often the whip of English fans’ criticisms, Wayne Rooney also turned in a good shift.
The star of the show was Danny Welbeck though. Arsenal’s latest addition spurned a glorious chance in the first half, but atoned for his lack of opportunism with two goals to secure a winning start in qualifying.
When he returns to London Colney tomorrow, Welbeck will get his first chance to train with his new Arsenal teammates, culminating in a weekend showdown with holders Manchester City. It’s almost a guarantee that Welbeck will start at the tip of the Arsenal attack on saturday, today’s performance indicative of what he is capable of.
Like Olivier Giroud, he brings more to the game than scoring goals, as evident in his excellent passing numbers and ability to interchange with his teammates. However unlike the Frenchman, Welbeck has the pace to make runs in behind the defense. This will suit Arsenal’s midfield, which is adept at finding pacing runs in the final third.
What he showed today though, is that he can deliver when trusted in the middle. Welbeck’s qualities are not that of an ruthless goalscorer like Diego Costa or Falcao, but his all-around game will compliment those who line up next to him.
At Real Madrid, Mesut Ozil led Europe in assists, thanks in large-part to the pace of Angel Di Maria, Karim Benzema, and Cristiano Ronaldo’s runs. In the absence of Theo Walcott and the inclusion of Alexis last season, Arsenal were stagnant, often playing a midfielder on the wing and the less-than-quick Giroud up top.
Welbeck brings another dimension to the forward position; he has the pace that Giroud will never have, and the size that Alexis needs to be more consistent in the #9 role. The biggest thing to take from today was his ability to take chances, and there will be plenty of chances at Arsenal.
It’s imperative that Welbeck integrates himself with the side in the days leading up to saturday. If Arsene Wenger can see this transition through, Danny Welbeck’s impact at the Emirates will be very positive.
No comments:
Post a Comment