Interview

Wenger - Why this will be a big season for Welbeck

Danny Welbeck stole the show with two goals and an assist in our commanding win over Bournemouth on Saturday.

Arsène Wenger gave his take on the England forward’s performance, Alexandre Lacazette’s development and the strength of the side he will pick for our Europa League tie against Cologne on Thursday evening.

on the team's perfect response…

Yes, in two ways. First of all I would have been happy with the win, but the way we played as well I think added to the way we responded, so overall I am pleased. You check the team after a bad performance. How much is in there? How much can they respond? Overall I think we did very well.

on whether it could be a big season for Welbeck…

Yep, I'm pleased with his performance, I kept faith in him and overall I think he is getting stronger and stronger and more confident. Confidence plays a big part in his game and I loved his finishing on his second goal.

on how pre-season made a difference for him…

Of course, he has all the physical qualities to play at that level. If he can add the finishing, he's a team player as well, he is loved by his partners, so that's a lot of positives.

on Lacazette growing with each game…

Yes, I kept him out at Liverpool because I thought you can take some time to adapt, but I agree, he is getting stronger and stronger from game to game. Physically he worked very hard today. He still suffered a little bit in the second half, but physically he's getting better in every game. And on the football front, you see he is a great player.

on a clean sheet for the defence…

I went for more experience at the back, I changed the positions a little bit and I think it suited them well and we looked solid. We had a bad experience at Liverpool, so you always think 'should we change everything from a system that we did very well with at the end of last season?' But I think it was worth experiencing it again.

on his team selection for the Europa League…

It will be a Premier League team. Some players will come in of course, because many players played twice for the national team, and then again today. So two or three will not be in the squad, but most of them will play. 

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