You grow supporting a club and dreaming that, maybe one day, you’ll score the winner in front of thousands of fans chanting your name.

Nine thousand Gooners went mad at Old Trafford, along with millions around the world, as Danny Welbeck returned to Manchester United only to knock the side he grew up supporting out of the FA Cup.

A good reception seemed to greet Welbeck at his old stomping ground, but he took the huge occasion in his stride. Olivier Giroud has scored plenty of late and it was a big call from Arsène Wenger to give Welbeck the opportunity to start.

He certainly didn’t let his manager down.

The curse of the ex-player is an overstated footballing nuance, but Welbeck looked lively all evening.

He always works incredibly hard, but really seemed up for this one.

The first half saw a lot of hard work but no reward.

His first touch occasionally letting him down, Welbeck sacrificed himself for his team and otherwise did very well. His decision making on the ball was good and his movement unrewarded.

Alexis Sánchez failed to slot him through in one instance, while Marcos Rojo grabbed Welbeck as he looked to reach Mesut Özil’s chipped pass. No penalty given, but Welbeck was certainly proving a handful.

The second half saw Welbeck apply himself the same way.

With the score still at 1-1 Santi Cazorla waited for Welbeck to make a run, but he couldn’t get around Phil Jones and the attack petered out. Pouncing on every loose touch by Chris Smalling or a United defender, Welbeck was on his toes and revering possession repeatedly.

One time was more meaningful than any of the others.

A heavy first touch from Phil Jones saw Antonio Valencia in possession. Looking for his goalkeeper, Valencia didn’t put anywhere near enough weight on his pass. Welbeck reacted quickly and decisively, just managing to squeeze the ball beyond David De Gea before tucking it home.

The incredible away support celebrated wildly.

Welbeck roared with them. He is a Manc, but he’s also now a Gooner.

(Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
(Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

Welbeck’s name echoed around Old Trafford after the goal and after the final whistle.

Having left nothing on the pitch, the match winner made way for Olivier Giroud with just a smattering of boos coming from the fans at The Theatre of Dreams, though it really didn’t seem like many joined in.

A healthy number of the home support applauded the man they used to cheer for.

Not good enough to play regularly at Manchester United according to Louis van Gaal, who instead opted to sign Radamel Falcao on loan in the summer.

The Colombian could only watch from the bench as Welbeck scored the winner.

Arsenal march on to Wembley, and will face either Bradford or Reading.

Just 180 minutes separate us from retaining the famous old trophy and becoming undisputed Kings of the FA Cup.

After nine years without a win at Old Trafford Arsenal desperately needed someone to step up.

Welbz was dat guy.