Is this proof that this striker was right to snub Man United for Arsenal?

Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck is coming ever closer to a return to first team football after yet another lengthy lay-off.

The England international, who turns 26 tomorrow, left Man United – where he scored 29 goals in 142 appearances – for the North London side in 2014 but has missed a whopping 572 days through injury, and still counting.

Despite this he has been impressive for Arsene Wenger’s side since making the move to The Emirates from Manchester, but how has he done in the capital compared to his time up north?

The 25-year-old has bagged 13 goals and eight assists in 49 appearances for the Gunners, in all competitions. However, the Premier League is where it really counts, so how does he stack up against his former Red Devil self?

*Goals and assist statistics are per 90 minutes

The stats show that, although he has made far less appearances for Wenger’s side, he has played a far more important role, racking up nearly the same amount of minutes in almost a third of the games.

The more prominent role for the Gunners has allowed the former United man to, when fit, lead the line from the word go, as opposed to being used as an auxiliary at Old Trafford.

The striker, who is set to return in the New Year, can take heart from his improved goalscoring record in London and, with Sanchez set for a break, could take on a whole new role upon his return.