Arsene Wenger’s overriding feeling will have been one of relief after Arsenal overcame Preston in the third round of the FA Cup.
The Gunners survived a first-half scare in which the Lilywhites dominated and went 1-0 up, before goals from Aaron Ramsey and another late strike from Olivier Giroud ensured their name would be in the hat for the draw on Monday.
Giroud has been the hero of the hour for three successive games now after his incredible scorpion kick against Crystal Palace and his late equaliser against Bournemouth last week.
Yet, it was strike partner Danny Welbeck who Wenger was most keen to heap praise on after the final whistle.
The England striker has endured a nightmare run of injuries and hadn’t featured since last May. The 26-year-old finally made his return for the last six minutes against Preston and received a huge ovation from the travelling supporters.
Wenger revealed just how difficult things have been for the forward – even admitting he had to ban him from coming to the Emirates and to training because it would have been too demoralising.
“I sent him away from the club because it can be demoralising for a badly-injured player,” the Arsenal boss told the media.
“A football club is built for competitiveness and that makes it difficult for people who are not able to compete and play. I tried to support him, of course, but you have to deal with it on your own. You need great patience to overcome such an injury.
“Danny worked hard and I am certain it will make him stronger for going through it. He suffered a lot but I hope he will now have a clean run and an injury-free career in front of him.”
While it’s undoubtedly a huge boost for Welbeck personally, Arsenal could also do with more attacking options. The combination of the 3-3 draw with Bournemouth and Spurs’ 2-0 win over Chelsea on Wednesday ousted the Gunners from the top four, and they will need to be at full strength if they are to have any hope of catching the Blues, whom they sit eight points behind.
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