Arsenal secured three convincing points away to Galatasaray, courtesy of braces from Aaron Ramsey and Lukas Podolski respectively. Wesley Sneijder struck back late on to restore some much needed pride for the Turks.
The Gunners, however, failed to top the group despite a resurgent Anderlecht holding Borussia Dortmund to a score draw at the Westfalenstadion.
A second string Arsenal side started brightly with Lukas Podolski scoring within three minutes, a powerful near post effort reminiscent of the German’s strike against Bayern Munich last season. The advantage was doubled due to a delicate Aaron Ramsey finish, set up by the in form Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Things became even better for the away side as Ramsey struck a beautiful left-foot volley from 35 yards out. The ball subsequently flew past the hapless Sinan Bolat, leaving the ‘keeper no chance. The game was all but wrapped up at half-time, with eyes on the scoreline in Germany.
Champions League winner Wesley Sneijder’s costless-kick momentarily reduced the deficit but Podolski regained the three goal cushion in injury time.
Central to the performance was Arsenal’s Welshman, who scored in the defeat to Stoke on Saturday.
“Obviously we came here wanting to win the game and we managed to do that so we are happy. We finished off the group stages on a high and now we’re looking forward to seeing who we are up against in the next round” said the 23-year-old.
“We looked dangerous every time we went forward tonight, which is pleasing. We scored a few goals and we took full advantage of the opportunities so it was nice to get the four goals that we scored today.
“We came here with a few players making their debut tonight and they did great. It was nice to come here and nearly come away with what we needed to finish top. It wasn’t to be and we finished off strongly and we are pleased with that.”
The central midfielder scored 18 goals in all competitions last campaign, despite an injury interrupted his season. He went off with a knock during the interval, claiming it was just a precaution:
“I just felt a bit of a tight hamstring and hopefully I’ll recover for the game against Newcastle”
Arsene Wenger has come under a lot of criticism of late, with plenty of pressure mounted on the longest serving manager in English football following a poor loss to Stoke City. The Frenchman proclaimed:
“A little bit [of frustration] but we knew at half-time that we needed to score six without conceding and the fact we had to take Flamini and Ramsey off took a little bit of power away to go forward. Unfortunately it wasn’t enough but we finished with 13 points and did the job tonight.
“We came out strong and that’s what I wanted from the players, this group has a good dynamic and they have shown that from that start”
“When he [Ramsey] took the shot I thought it wasn’t the best of ideas but the way it went in was absolutely unbelievable.” stated Le Prof, who will be looking to get back on track in the Premier League against Newcastle.