Arsene Wenger silences critics after 4-1 Champions League win over Galatasaray
Arsene Wenger said Arsenal's 4-1 thrashing of Galatasaray in the Champions League was exactly what he needed after a traumatic week.
Just four days earlier Wenger had cut a forlorn figure as he hurried on to a club train home from Stoke to avoid the foul-mouthed abuse of fans frustrated by the Gunners' dismal 3-2 defeat at the Britannia Stadium.
Wenger's position was once again the subject of much debate and another disappointing performance in Istanbul on Tuesday would have heaped further pressure on the manager.
We looked dangerous every time we won the ball back, we had good penetration, we scored good goals and until half-time I feel we were very strong
But the north Londoners silenced Wenger's critics, for a few days at least, with a vibrant display featuring one of the goals of the season from Wales midfielder Aaron Ramsey.
Lukas Podolski's early opener was followed by a brace from Ramsey, including a brilliant 30-yard volley, before Podolski sealed the points in second-half stoppage time after Wesley Sneijder's free-kick reduced the deficit for Galatasaray.
It was exactly the response Wenger needed, even though Arsenal were forced to settle for second place in group D after Borussia Dortmund got the point they required against Anderlecht to finish top.
