Football
Mattias Karen, Arsenal correspondent 6y

Arsenal's Danny Welbeck making case to get more starts - Unai Emery

Arsenal coach Unai Emery says Danny Welbeck is making a strong case for more starts after the striker netted twice in Wednesday's 3-1 win over Brentford in the Carabao Cup.

Welbeck's first-half double took his tally to four goals on the season despite just making two starts so far and left him tied with record signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as the team's top scorer.

He has yet to start a Premier League game, though, as he remains Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette in the pecking order, but Emery admitted that he will be forced to consider the striker as an option going forward.

"I'm very happy when a player individually gives us his quality, and also his commitment every day. And Danny Welbeck is working with this commitment, and when he is playing with a performance like today, he is helping the team. And also [he will have] more chances to find the first XI for the next matches with a performance like today.

He added: "For Saturday [against Watford] he is another player I can try to help in the first XI. Because he is doing very well and with a big commitment. But also I want another [strong] player on the bench. When I'm looking back [on the bench] I want to see a good player looking forward to help in the game for us."

Lacazette also scored late for the Gunners on Wednesday after Alan Judge had made it a nervous second half for the hosts by pulling a goal back from a free kick.

Emery wouldn't be drawn on Welbeck's contract situation, though. Like midfielder Aaron Ramsey, Welbeck has entered the final year of his current deal and his future remains unclear.

"Their situation individually with the club is one thing for the club and for them," the Spaniard said. "My focus is the team. I know they are in the last year of their contract with the team, and they are working and speaking with the club.

"But for me, the focus is only on the performance and each match, every training. Their future is also important, but it's like that. I am telling you, the performance and the commitment of the player is very high. And Aaron also."

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