Welbeck started in the 2017 FA Community Shield at Wembley Stadium on 6 August, as Arsenal beat Chelsea 4–1 penalties having drawn 1–1 after extra time. He scored his first goal of the 2017–18 season in Arsenal's 4–3 win over Leicester City in their opening Premier League match. He went on to score twice in the team's second home match of the season, a 3–0 defeat of AFC Bournemouth on 9 September. Welbeck picked up a groin injury during Arsenal's 0–0 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, which ruled him out for three weeks. Welbeck ended a goalless run of 16 Premier League games to score two and assist the other as the Gunners fought back to beat Southampton 3–2.