Welbeck, Lampard handed Arsenal, City debuts

Welbeck, Lampard handed Arsenal, City debuts

LONDON - Former England team-mates Danny Welbeck and Frank Lampard were given debuts by their respective new clubs as Arsenal hosted champions Manchester City in the Premier League on Saturday.

Danny Welbeck (No 9) celebrates with teammate Rickie Lambert after he scoring England's second goal during a Euro 2016 qualifier against Switzerland at St. Jakob-Park in Basel on September 8, 2014

Welbeck, a pound sterling16 million ($26.6 million, 20.2 million euros) signing from Manchester United on transfer deadline day, came into the Arsenal team, while Aaron Ramsey was able to start after overcoming an ankle problem.

"I think Danny Welbeck will contribute to our success, but let's not put too much pressure on him and enjoy him as a football player," Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger told BT Sport.

Former Chelsea midfielder Lampard, who retired from international football last month, replaced Yaya Toure in the starting XI selected by City manager Manuel Pellegrini.

French right-back Bacary Sagna, who left Arsenal for City during the close season, was named on the bench.

"I'm feeling a mixture of excitement and a little bit of nerves," said 36-year-old Lampard, who joined City on loan from New York City FC after ending his 13-year association with Chelsea.

"I didn't think I'd be in this situation. I'm very proud to still be playing in the Premier League. To come to a club like Arsenal is fantastic."

The match at the Emirates Stadium is a rematch of last month's Community Shield, which saw FA Cup holders Arsenal beat league champions City 3-0 at Wembley.

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