Danny Welbeck Shows at West Ham That He Performs Best in the Middle

BOLEYN GROUND, LONDON—Against West Ham, Danny Welbeck ended a barren run that had endured throughout December. However, he did more than that: He showed that although he is capable of playing on the left wing, he is much more effective as a central striker.

He didn’t actually start the game through the middle. Welbeck began on the left-hand side, with Alexis Sanchez taking up the central spot. That has been the case for the last six weeks or so at Arsenal: As a rule, Arsene Wenger has preferred to use the England international in the wide positions with one of Giroud or Sanchez central.

However, as the match wore on, Welbeck and Sanchez rotated, with the Englishman spending the majority of the game in the No. 9 position. It’s surely no coincidence that the positional switch brought about his best performance for several games.

When Welbeck left Manchester United for Arsenal, he made it clear that his desire to play through the middle was a key part of his decision. Back in September, he told the Guardian, via Goal.com:

It is well known I prefer to play through the middle so when I get my opportunity I just want to show what I can do.

Once I get into the box and get the opportunities I have got faith in my ability.

Before I wasn't getting into the box because I wasn't playing too much as a striker and I had to worry about my defensive work.

In the early part of his Arsenal career, he appeared to be backing up those claims. However, his recent displacement to the flank has seen his form fade.

Worryingly, the goals had started to dry up too. However, the drought ended at Upton Park, as Welbeck ensured he would sign off 2014 with a vital winner. This goal has huge value to Arsenal, but it will mean plenty to Welbeck too. Being back on the scoresheet will undoubtedly be a huge boost to his waning confidence.

It resembled a classic striker’s goal. Dashing in to the six-yard box to poke home from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s fizzed cross, Welbeck showed the instinctive movement required of a top-class No. 9.

However, no one will be getting too carried away. There is still plenty of room for improvement. Welbeck is not yet the ruthless predator he needs to be if he is to cement a place as Arsenal’s centre-forward. That much became clear in the second half, when he latched on to a loose back-pass but fired over from just inside the penalty area. 

That's typical of Welbeck. He earned the opportunity through his anticipation and athleticism, but he lacked the composure required to take full advantage.

He still needs to iron out those misses. On another day, his profligacy may have been punished. 

Olivier Giroud’s suspension has afforded Welbeck another chance to establish himself as a central figure in this Arsenal team. He didn’t quite manage it during Giroud’s three-month injury lay-off—this time he has just three games.

Fortunately, Welbeck has started in exactly the right manner.

James McNicholas is Bleacher Report's lead Arsenal correspondent and is following the club from a London base throughout the 2014-15 season. Follow him on Twitter here.