Arsenal legend Ian Wright has praised Danny Welbeck and Alex Iwobi after their performance in the Gunners’ goalless draw away to Chelsea.
There was a bit of a stir before Sunday’s game when the team news came out. Alexis Sanchez was named as a substitute while Alex Iwobi got a start alongside in the in form Danny Welbeck.
It turned out to be a good decision, as both Iwobi and Welbeck put in hard working and disciplined performances to help Arsenal secure a point at Stamford Bridge, something they hadn’t done since 2011.
Neither of them had outstanding games going forward, but Ian Wright was impressed by their efforts. “They put a shift in for the team,” Wright told Match of the Day 2 via the Express. “Either of them you wouldn’t say individually had a brilliant game, but in the system they were both very effective.
“It is something you need whether Sanchez or Ozil are in there and you need the same intensity from Iwobi and Welbeck playing in those positions.”
Iwobi also had a tidy game in possession, completing 91% of his passes and creating three chances – more than any other Arsenal player. Welbeck was more subdued on the ball but did have a good chance in the first half with a header that went just wide of the post.
He was subbed late on due to a groin injury. While Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez would offer a lot more quality in those positions, in my opinion, sometimes you need some discipline.
Leaving out those two in another big game seems unthinkable, but it’ll be interesting to see Wenger’s approach when the time comes.