Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger: 'Danny Welbeck needed a chance'

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes that Danny Welbeck has gained more respect after being given a "chance" at the Emirates.

The England international has netted five goals in all competitions for the Gunners following his arrival from Manchester United on transfer deadline day in September.

Earlier this week, United manager Louis van Gaal claimed that he did Welbeck a favour by sanctioning his £16m move to Arsenal.

Today, Wenger told reporters: "I always respected Danny and I always felt that he had a great future. What he has achieved in the last few months has certainly allowed him to gain more respect, especially for the English national team as well.

"I believe that you have to understand Louis van Gaal had not had Welbeck under his command for a long time and it's always very difficult to know the players well when you see them for three or four weeks.

"Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie have an exceptional goalscoring record - he had two quality players in front of him. What he needed was a chance."

Welbeck will face a fitness test on a hamstring problem to determine whether he will play in tomorrow's Premier League showdown against United at the Emirates.