Arsenal vs. Galatasaray: Lessons Learned from Champions League Game
Arsenal ran rampant in attack to defeat Galatasaray, 4-1, in a UEFA Champions League Group D clash at the Emirates Stadium.
Danny Welbeck became the sixth Englishman to record a hat-trick in the competition with goals in the 22nd, 30th and 52nd minutes, while Alexis Sanchez netted a goal late in the first half.
Although there were few negatives to talk about in regards to the Gunners, they did see Wojciech Szczesny receive a red card in the 60th minute for a tackle on Burak Yilmaz. Yilmaz would then convert from the spot for the lone goal scored by the visitors.
Continue reading on for a look at the biggest lessons we learned from Arsenal's first win in Group D play.
Danny Welbeck Is Only Getting Started
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Danny Welbeck had a terrific night for the Gunners with the third-ever hat-trick by an Arsenal player in the UEFA Champions League, per ESPN's Paul Carr.
The three goals proved to everyone at the club that Welbeck is the right man up front and that he can combine well with Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and the rest of the Gunners attack.
After scoring just once in league play so far this season, expect this performance to catapult Welbeck to better form in front of goal, starting with the major clash against Chelsea this weekend.
If he plays like he did Wednesday, the Gunners are guaranteed to pose a challenge to any opponent in both the Premier League and Champions League.
Wojciech Szczesny Put a Damper on a Terrific Night for Arsenal
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Before Wojciech Szczesny earned himself a sending off in the 60th minute, things were going exceptionally well for the Gunners.
Although the red card, and the ensuing penalty scored by Burak Yilmaz, didn't hurt Arsenal Wednesday night, the booking will affect future matches.
Szczesny, who also picked up a red card against Bayern Munich in the knockout round last season, will miss the away clash with Anderlecht on Matchday 3.
With the Polish international out, David Ospina will make his Champions League debut for Arsenal, which will put a bit more pressure on the Gunners back four to hold on to what should be an easy victory in Belgium.
In his time on the pitch against Galatasaray, Ospina made a handful of saves, but he will have to prove he can keep a clean sheet for 90 minutes in order for Arsenal to avoid a hiccup against Anderlecht.
Cesare Prandelli Got His Tactics All Wrong
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To start the game, Galatasaray manager Cesare Prandelli set his team up in a 3-5-2, which turned out to be a terrible decision.
The back three of Semih Kaya, Felipe Melo and Aurelien Chedjou were burned on countless occasions by the speedy Arsenal attack.
On all four Arsenal goals, the scorer was able to easily carve through the Galatasaray defense to take an open shot on Fernando Muslera.
Prandelli did switch his tactics at the half, but by that time the Turkish side already faced a three-goal deficit.
Mesut Ozil Was Finally Put in the Right Position
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One tactical decision that did pay off was the decision by Arsene Wenger to put Mesut Ozil in the No. 10 role.
In past matches, Ozil had been sent out wide to attempt to create chances, but he is best when he plays in the middle of the pitch.
Wenger finally lined Ozil up in the center of the attacking trio behind Welbeck, and the decision resulted in some superb combination between Ozil, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Alexis Sanchez and Welbeck.
Before exiting in the 77th minute, Ozil put together five key passes, which is nearly three full passes above what he has averaged in league play this season, per WhoScored.com.
Felipe Melo Should Not Have Finished the Match
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Felipe Melo was lucky to remain on the pitch for the entire match, as he only picked up a yellow card for a two-footed challenge on Alexis in the 34th minute.
Melo's reckless challenge should have merited a sending off from referee Gianluca Rocchi, but the Italian opted to show him yellow instead.
At that point in the match, Galatasaray were down 2-0 and frustration was beginning to sink in, which is why Melo went in with both feet.
Luckily for Arsenal, Alexis was not hurt by the tackle, but regardless of the Chilean's health, a player should never be allowed to get away with a dangerous challenge like that.
Follow Joe on Twitter, @JTansey90.
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