Arsenal starlet Chuba Akpom has jumped to the defence of new teammate Danny Welbeck.

Welbeck, brought in to cover for injured Frenchman Olivier Giroud, has been criticised for his goals return, but Akpom believes that criticism of the England international is unfair.

"Danny is another player I can learn from," Akpom told Arsenal's matchday programme this week. "The other week he almost scored on his debut against Manchester City and was unlucky that the ball bounced out off the post.

"Some commentators said he was not ruthless enough, but that was not fair in my view. When Falcao came on and shot straight at the keeper from a similar position, nothing was said, and Danny's effort was much better.

"Danny has great ability and I am sure that the goals will come if he keeps getting the opportunities. Once they start going in, he will get more and more."

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger agrees with the young striker's assessment of Welbeck, claiming that the ex-Manchester United man can become a top finisher.