Danny Welbeck has hit back at Troy Deeney after the Watford striker questioned his inclusion in Gareth Southgates most recent England squad.
Deeney has played a prominent role in Watfords impressive start to the season with the Hornets currently in fourth place, two places and a point ahead of the Gunners who they meet on Saturday at the Emirates Stadium.
Southgate opted to include Welbeck for the matches against Spain and Switzerland despite the former Manchester United striker having failed to start a single Premier League game this season.
Deeney, who infamously accused Arsenal of lacking cajones following their 2-1 defeat at Vicarage Road last season, felt his performances merited international recognition and Welbecks continued involvement sent out the wrong message to aspiring England players.
More: Football
Advertisement Advertisement
He said: If you look at a Danny Ings, Glenn Murray, Callum Wilson, we would probably all be arguing well what do I need to be in the team?
Because no offence to Danny Welbeck, Ive got a lot of time for Danny Welbeck, but hes not playing but hes still being picked, so is it a case thats just the team?
Welbeck, however, responded after scoring twice in Arsenals 3-1 Carabao Cup win over Brentford last night, saying: It is for Gareth to decide who he picks in the squad, not for me or you to say.
What I can do is just focus on me, not focus on anything else that is the most important thing.
The 27-year-old, who has entered the final 12 months of his current contract, has now scored four goals in all competition this season and his hopeful he is closing in on an opportunity to establish himself in Unai Emerys first choice forward line.
He added: You have got to wait for your opportunity,” he said when asked about not starting a league game so far this season.
A few of the lads had a bit more of a pre-season than me which made it a bit difficult, I came back a bit later than the others.
I got 90 minutes last week, 90 minutes today and Im just going to build on it from there and keep improving.
Advertisement Advertisement
More: Arsenal FC
Advertisement Advertisement
Danny Welbeck has hit back at Troy Deeney after the Watford striker questioned his inclusion in Gareth Southgates most recent England squad.
Deeney has played a prominent role in Watfords impressive start to the season with the Hornets currently in fourth place, two places and a point ahead of the Gunners who they meet on Saturday at the Emirates Stadium.
Southgate opted to include Welbeck for the matches against Spain and Switzerland despite the former Manchester United striker having failed to start a single Premier League game this season.
Deeney, who infamously accused Arsenal of lacking cajones following their 2-1 defeat at Vicarage Road last season, felt his performances merited international recognition and Welbecks continued involvement sent out the wrong message to aspiring England players.
More: Football
Advertisement Advertisement
He said: If you look at a Danny Ings, Glenn Murray, Callum Wilson, we would probably all be arguing well what do I need to be in the team?
Because no offence to Danny Welbeck, Ive got a lot of time for Danny Welbeck, but hes not playing but hes still being picked, so is it a case thats just the team?
Welbeck, however, responded after scoring twice in Arsenals 3-1 Carabao Cup win over Brentford last night, saying: It is for Gareth to decide who he picks in the squad, not for me or you to say.
What I can do is just focus on me, not focus on anything else that is the most important thing.
The 27-year-old, who has entered the final 12 months of his current contract, has now scored four goals in all competition this season and his hopeful he is closing in on an opportunity to establish himself in Unai Emerys first choice forward line.
He added: You have got to wait for your opportunity,” he said when asked about not starting a league game so far this season.
A few of the lads had a bit more of a pre-season than me which made it a bit difficult, I came back a bit later than the others.
I got 90 minutes last week, 90 minutes today and Im just going to build on it from there and keep improving.
Advertisement Advertisement
More: Arsenal FC
Advertisement Advertisement
