Close encounters points to a low-scoring draw

IT'S a relief to have the Premier League back, unless you're Danny Welbeck, who must already be craving the warm embrace of Roy Hodgson.

Arsene Wenger seemed to get in a bit of a muddle when answering the most basic of questions about his new signing.

He said: “If I had not been away on deadline day, Welbeck would not have signed."

Of course he wouldn't Arsene, he's a striker for a top Premier League side rather than a French third division outfit, but you're not supposed to say that.

You're meant to say how much you admire his mentality and talk up his fantastic finishing ability or whatever.

Welbeck's not a bad player but he just needs to be loved and I'm worried about how he'll handle it if he makes a slow start in an Arsenal shirt.

They're not the most patient set of fans over at the Emirates and most of them are still baffled that they didn't sign Falcao. Although there are a few sensible ones relieved that Welbeck is not a) Nicklas Bendtner or b) a 37-year-old Thierry Henry.

Anyway, I reckon Arsenal's game against Man City is going to be pretty tight, and not because I think Welbeck is rubbish.

City won't be as bad as they were against Stoke but I'm not convinced they'll be at their free-flowing best.

Seven of the last eight competitive matches between these teams have featured under 2.5 goals, but everyone will remember the one that didn't – when City beat the Gunners 6-3 last term.

It should be close but rather than backing unders, I'm going for the draw.

Unless anyone fancies offering a price about Welbeck being booed off at half-time after missing a sitter?