Arsenal forward Danny Welbeck puts current goalscoring form down to pre-season after netting a brace and an assist in 3-0 Bournemouth riot

Danny Welbeck believes he is benefiting from a full pre-season after scoring twice in Arsenal's comfortable win over Bournemouth on Saturday.

The England international has struggled with serious injuries in the past two seasons and was limited to just 15 Premier League starts since the beginning of the 2015-16 campaign.

He is now fully fit and he scored his first league brace since playing for Manchester United in 2013, as well as laying on an assist for Alexandre Lacazette, in a straightforward 3-0 win over the Cherries.

Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck has insisted his new-found form is the result of a full pre-season

Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck has insisted his new-found form is the result of a full pre-season

The 26-year-old scored twice and assisted Alexandre Lacazette in a 3-0 win over Bournemouth

The 26-year-old scored twice and assisted Alexandre Lacazette in a 3-0 win over Bournemouth

Welbeck's second goal was praised by manager Arsene Wenger and the England striker believes his preparations have allowed him to hit the ground running this year.


'The past two years I didn't have a pre-season and that made it a bit difficult for me,' the 26-year-old said.

'I'm pleased to have a pre-season. With some of the games that we've played at the start of the season it's not gone too well, but I'm pleased to be on the scoresheet and long may it continue.

'The second goal is one that, once you've been hitting those repetitions in training, it becomes a lot easier for you to do. I got into that position and I didn't think twice about it.'

The striker said 'repetition' was key to his second as Arsenal won their first in three games

The striker said 'repetition' was key to his second as Arsenal won their first in three games

Welbeck's brace inspired the Gunners to a much-needed victory following two successive defeats heading into the international break - including a 4-0 defeat at the hands of Liverpool.

Bournemouth offered very little at the Emirates Stadium having pushed Manchester City all the way last time out.

Manager Eddie Howe was unhappy with the display and, with Bournemouth still yet to earn a point so far this season, midfielder Dan Gosling wants a reaction against Brighton on Friday night.

'We need to bounce back,' he told Bournemouth's website.

'Brighton's coming up to a must-win game at the moment, we need to get our season up and running now with this home game.

'The boys were unlucky against Man City, but we can't keep saying that because against Arsenal we were nowhere near it. Next week every single man has to be better, stand up and be counted.'  

Bournemouth are yet to earn a point so far this season and sit 19th in the Premier League, but midfielder Dan Gosling believes they can kick-start their season against Brighton on Friday

Bournemouth are yet to earn a point so far this season and sit 19th in the Premier League, but midfielder Dan Gosling believes they can kick-start their season against Brighton on Friday