Champions League football returned after the 1-1 draw with Spurs and the Gunners made mince meat of their Turkish opponent. Danny Welbeck got his first senior career hattrick as the gunners won 4-1 at the Emirates over Galatasaray. Sanchez also got on the scorers sheet but Cazorla’s effort was cleared off the line in the dying stages.
Match Report. Wenger’s Comment. Player Rating.
The Five:
1. Welbeck Gets His Hattrick
Danny Welbeck got his first career hattrick tonight as the gunners ran riot over the Turks. The deadline day signing from Manchester United opened scoring in the 22nd minute after a nice lay-off pass from Sanchez. The England international got his second 7 minutes later in a Henry-esque fashion before grabbing his hattrick early in the 2nd half. The 23 year old exhibited pace, power and intelligence as he won the Man of the match. What the gooners missed in Giroud, they now have in Welbeck. He forgot the ball though, but he joins Nicklas Bentner and Thierry Henry as the only Arsenal players have scored a hattrick in the UEFA Champions League. What would have been Arsenal’s fate if Sanogo was all that was left?
2. Red Again.
4-0 and Arsenal geared on smooth cruise control until Szczesny was judged to have brought a Burak the Turk down. The Pole had an early bath just like against Bayern Munich last season. Szczesny is now becoming a red card specialist although not fully his fault. He will have to sit out the next game against Anderlect. Flamini on the other hand continued from where he stopped by getting his regular yellow card per game for a needless foul. Felipe Melo is lucky to still be on the pitch after a two-footed challenge on Sanchez.
3. Good Deputy, Worthy First Choice
David Ospina made his debut for Arsenal in the 2-1 defeat to Southampton in the Capital One cup. The Colombian may have waited till January for an action in an Arsenal jersey but Szczesny’s red turned the fate around. The stopper could not stop the penalty but was on hand to prevent Sneidjer and co from getting another goal. He did make a great save from Burak the Turk with 10mins to play. Arsenal look assured between the post with a worthy deputy in Ospina, strong enough to push Szczesny to his toes. Well done Ospina.
4. No Injuries.
It is becoming customary that every game takes an Arsenal player injured with it. It was good news today with no injuries encountered during this game. Ospina had a class but was able to complete the game. sanchez was hacked, Ozil was hazzled but all came unhurt. Wilshere even had a feel of the game despite coming off injured against Tottenham. With Ramsey, Arteta, Walcott, Giroud and others out, No injury is great news for Arsene Wenger.
5. Happy #Wenger18.
Arsene Wenger joined Arsenal 18 years ago and this victory will be a present to the prof. Through thick and thin, Wenger has remained with Arsenal, winning trophies before the 7 years drought and coming back to trophy-winning ways by lifting the FA Cup last season. Can Arsenal provide Wenger with the Champions League, a trophy he has never won? One game at a time.
Well, Let us head to Stamford Bridge for the crunch tie with Chelsea. A victory will be immensely celebrated. Hope the gunners play like this on Sunday.
Enjoy.
SoccerGunz 