Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain welcomes Danny Welbeck to Arsenal with 'Welbz is dat guy' motto as squad relax during team photo
Welbeck joined his new team-mates for the annual photoshoot as the Gunners got up to no good ahead of their clash against Manchester City
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has wasted no time in welcoming Danny Welbeck to the Arsenal squad after joking at his nickname during the Gunners’ annual photoshoot on Thursday.
With £16m signing Welbeck joining up with the squad for the first time, the cameras were firmly on the former Manchester United striker as he got familiar with his new surroundings at their London Colney training base.
But Oxlade-Chamberlain was quick to introduce the “Welbz is dat guy” motto that was originally conjured up by West Ham midfielder Ravel Morrison during their time together at United.
The day represented a chance for the Gunners to relax ahead of their crucial Premier League clash against Manchester City on Saturday, and the majority of the squad appeared in good spirits as they joined manager Arsene Wenger for the team photo.
Watch the video below:
To start with, Mesut Özil received a hit-and-run attack from Serge Gnabry as the German gave his compatriot a cheeky slap around the back of the head, although Jack Wilshere would later suffer the same ‘brutal’ attack from Francis Coquelin on three occasions.
Read more: When Wenger met the Pope...
Wilshere: Arsenal would never sell me to a rival for £16m
Ramsey in late fitness test for City clash
Oxlade-Chamberlain bemoaned his lack of height forcing him out wide – you’d think he’d be used to such a position – but at least he had Santi Cazorla for company as the 5 ft 6 in midfielder was shunted out to the end of the front row for being the shortest member of the squad.
Even though he was linked with a move away from the club in the summer, Lukas Podolski was given a prominent position alongside newly-appointed captain Mikel Arteta, which gave Wilshere something to moan about as he was bumped outside Per Mertesacker, Tomas Rosicky and Özil.
Ever keen for a bit of fun, the outspoken goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny nearly landed himself in hot water as he aimed a shot at the Arsenal cameraman, but the squad were certainly much better behaved once the Arsenal Ladies squad arrived and joined them for a club photo.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments