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Wasteful Welbeck is not a goalscorer ... yet

In his first two games as an Arsenal player, Danny Welbeck should really have scored as many goals. Although his all-round game has been encouraging, the England international has been wasteful when presented with opportunities to score.

That shouldn't come as a huge surprise: Arsenal knew Welbeck was far from prolific when they signed him. They have signed a striker, but it will take time for him to become a goalscorer.

Against Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday, his lack of confidence in front of goal was obvious. In the first half, he made a smart run off the back of his marker to meet a clipped through ball from Aaron Ramsey. Welbeck's subsequent finish was weak and wide. Later in the game, he created a chance for himself with a breathtaking pivot, only to blast over the bar.

The general poorness of Arsenal's performance allowed Welbeck's profligacy to escape censure. However, goals change games. Had he finished his chance at 0-0, the dynamic of the match might have been reversed.

Arsene Wenger pleaded for patience with his new striker and said in the immediate aftermath of the Dortmund defeat: "He will [finish], I don't think we have to make a problem with that. He had a very lively first half and he couldn't finish from his two or three good chances in the first half. We have to be patient [with him]."

Wenger is right. Anyone expecting Welbeck to suddenly morph into Thierry Henry is going to be disappointed. Moving clubs doesn't immediately make him a better player. What it does do is afford him the opportunity to get a run of games in his preferred position. That, in the longer-term, is what could have a major impact.

Emmanuel Adebayor also lacked composure at Arsenal initially © PA Photos

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It's possible that Welbeck's performance for England against Switzerland created unrealistic expectations. In Basel, he produced two clinical finishes to win the match for his country. However, he's long been capable of flashes of brutal brilliance. The challenge before Welbeck is to produce that form regularly; that ruthless display showed us what the striker can be, but it's not yet what he is.

Wenger has experience of coaxing goals out of misfiring forwards. In his first season at Arsenal, Emmanuel Adebayor looked similarly bereft of composure. But in 2007-08, he passed the 30-goal landmark. The simple fact is that it takes time to build that conviction and confidence in front of goal.

The indications are that Welbeck will be worth the wait. Already, his speed and mobility is helping Arsenal create chances they would not otherwise make. His workrate is phenomenal, and against Manchester City it allowed Arsenal to employ an effective high-intensity pressing game. The prospect of him being joined by both Alexis Sanchez and Theo Walcott in a lightning-quick front three is mouthwatering.

It's also worth remembering what a tough start he's had. Facing Manchester City and Dortmund in quick succession is a big test. But, while his finishing has not been up to scratch, his general game has not looked out of place in that elite environment.

Welbeck's talent and attitude warrant persistence. His efforts against Dortmund smacked of a man eager for his first goal in new colours; the eyes widened and the technique waned. Once he gets off the mark, though, the pressure should dissipate.

Until then, he needs support. Even those who doubt Welbeck must recognise that, until Olivier Giroud returns, he's easily the best option at centre-forward. Welbeck needs the fans at his back, not on his back. His first goal in the red of Arsenal this weekend at Villa Park would do him the world of good.

Danny Welbeck has failed to score in his first two appearances for Arsenal © Getty Images

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This article originally appeared on ESPNFC.com

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