Better with age? Welbeck proving pivotal for Brighton

Fabian Hurzeler had to make a confession.

Danny Welbeck’s dramatic late winner over Newcastle United may have won the game for his side.

Before scoring his second goal, the Brighton manager had planned to remove the winner.

After Welbeck scored both goals in his team’s 2-1 victory at the Amex, he said, “It’s important to be honest and that was the case.”

He surprised me once more when I was considering taking him off. He deserves praise. It’s sometimes about life’s timing, and that’s when it worked.

Welbeck may turn 35 next month, but the striker doesn’t appear to be in his final years.

Welbeck has actually scored more Premier League goals per game (0.36) than he did in his 20s or teens.

Welbeck has scored doubles against both Chelsea and Newcastle in recent weeks after enjoying his best scoring season in the top flight last year.

Welbeck won the player of the match award, so why did that happen?

He not only opened the scoring on Saturday by passing the ball to Nick Pope, but he also scored a crucial second late in.

Welbeck’s opener was cancelled out by Nick Woltemade just as Newcastle were pressing for a winner when the 34-year-old appeared in the right spot at the right moment to sweep the ball home from the edge of the area.

His experience served as he acted after Mats Wieffer’s initial attempt was blocked by Dan Burn.

Welbeck said, “There is always the possibility that the ball can fall your way.” I kept it away while I pondered whether it might work for me.

Welbeck has a habit of putting together impressive goals.

Eleven of his last 12 Premier League goals for Brighton either brought the game level up (34) or brought it level (eight).

This was the club’s fifth consecutive victory over a Newcastle side that had the best defensive record in the top flight prior to the Amex.

Of course, Newcastle was not in need of any reminders.

Welbeck scored the decisive goal in the league match against them in October’s reverse fixture, which also earned them the spot-kick that ultimately saw Eddie Howe’s side eliminated from the FA Cup in March at St James’ Park.

Even Howe couldn’t help but raise his hands.

He said, “You have to give him a lot of credit for the two goals, especially the first one,”

“Because it’s difficult to run away from our backline and maintain composure when we finish past Nick, who had been in excellent form and had made a few good saves in the first half.”

He deserves praise for continuing to play the way he is.

How does Welbeck accomplish this?

Although this player has previously had well-known injury issues in the past, he has shown that he can handle Hurzeler’s system’s demands.

No other Premier League team has forced more turnovers this season than Brighton, to put that in context.

Under Hurzeler, forwards must work tirelessly without the ball in addition to providing the necessary goals.

And Hurzeler was eager to draw attention to Welbeck’s “against Newcastle” leadership from the front.

He claimed, “He’s a top professional.” He consistently strives to be prepared both before and after training. He recovers well.

He says, “Every training session, he goes 100%.” He never makes an effort to relax. That’s the key, and Danny Welbeck’s best personality and leadership style are the key characteristics of that personality.