Interview

‘I thought there’d be a chance to get the winner’

Danny Welbeck played a starring role in Sunday’s game against Southampton.

The England forward set up our first, scored our second, missed a chance from close range… and then headed home at the far post to secure the points.

Here’s Danny’s take on an eventful game:

on what happened at the end…

Obviously it’s going to be a competitive game. Southampton are in a difficult position, same as us. We all wanted the three points and towards the end of the game it got a bit out of hand and there were two sendings off. But it just shows the level of competitiveness.

on two goals for him and assist for first…

Yeah, I’m happy with the assist. You’re glad to get the goals but once I was playing one-touch in and around the box with those players around me, it’s going to be easy to get some assists. I was pleased with that.

on playing with confidence and the last time he felt this good…

I know that if I get opportunities in front of goal, I’ll be able to put them away. There was one today with Jack which was just a bit too far in front of me. I tried to stretch my leg to get there but I couldn’t get it. But in the end I got the goal that gave us the three points, so I’m pleased with that.

his thoughts on that miss…

I thought there’d be another opportunity to get a goal and get the winner. I kept my mind focused on that. Obviously you’re disappointed, but then it’s gone and you can’t do anything about that. You have to move onto the next one.

on a big end to the season…

My mind is set on the next game, doing well in those games. The World Cup will take care of itself. I don’t pick the team! Going into the Europa League on Thursday, it’s going to be a difficult tie even though we won the home game. It’s going to be a difficult game so our minds are set on that.