Danny Welbeck says he is benefiting from a full preseason after scoring twice in Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Bournemouth on Saturday.
Welbeck, 26, has struggled with serious injuries in the past two seasons and been limited to just 15 Premier League starts since the beginning of the 2015-16 campaign.
However, the England international is now fully fit and scored his first Premier League brace since playing for Manchester United in 2013, as well as laying on an assist for Alexandre Lacazette, in the victory against Bournemouth.
Welbeck’s second goal was praised by manager Arsene Wenger and the striker reckons his preseason preparations have allowed him to hit the ground running this year.
“The past two years I didn’t have a preseason and that made it a bit difficult for me,” he said. “I’m pleased to have a preseason. 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 score sheet 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.”
Welbeck’s brace inspired Arsenal to a much-needed victory following two successive defeats heading into the international break — including a 4-0 loss at Liverpool.