Arsenal rounded off their Champions League Group D campaign with a comprehensive 4-1 victory over Galatasaray at the Turk Telekom Arena this evening.
The Gunners were ahead inside the opening three minutes when Lukas Podolski fired the ball into the roof of the net, while Aaron Ramsey added two more before the interval.
Wesley Sneijder managed to pull one back for the hosts in the second half, although Podolski converted once more with what was the last kick of the game to regain his side's three-goal cushion.
Here, Sports Mole takes a look back at how the 90 minutes of action unfolded.
Match statistics
GALATASARAY
Shots: 24
On target: 7
Possession: 52%
Corners: 5
Fouls: 10
ARSENAL
Shots: 10
On target: 6
Possession: 48%
Corners: 4
Fouls: 15
Was the result fair?
They may not have had a great deal to play for this evening, but right from the off Arsenal showed their intention by producing wave after wave of attack. Galatasaray could not handle the likes of Ramsey and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and in truth the Gunners were good value for their three-goal advantage at half time.
Galatasaray improved considerably following the interval, although they failed to truly trouble what was largely a second-string side fielded by the visitors. The home supporters continued to push on their team, despite knowing that they would finish bottom of Group D regardless of results tonight, and they were duly rewarded when Sneijder fired home a free kick following 23 previous attempts from the hosts.
In the end, though, Podolski put the shine back on Arsenal's victory by adding a fourth with the last kick of the game, securing a victory which will help restore some pride following last weekend's setback in the Premier League. Tougher tests lie in wait for Arsene Wenger's side should they go all the way in the Champions League, although tonight it was simply a case of job done.
Galatasaray's performance
As well as playing for pride, the Turkish outfit were also aiming to build on their recent positive performances under new manager Hamza Hamzaoglu, which have seen them win each of their last three games in all competitions. Galatasaray are one point off the pace in the Super Lig standings, but they can now focus on domestic matters following their disappointing exit from European football.
Their display this evening may have improved after the restart, yet that is largely down to the fact that their opponents stepped off the gas having introduced two Champions League debutants at the break. All in all it has been a poor showing this year from Gala, who have struggled with consistency all season. They will no doubt return to Europe's showpiece competition, but if they are to improve on their fourth-place finish this time around, then vast improvements will be needed.
Arsenal's performance
What a difference a few days can make. Arsenal trailed Stoke City 3-0 at half time on Saturday afternoon following a calamitous display, while it was roles reversed tonight with the Gunners holding a hefty lead at the break. Ramsey and Oxlade-Chamberlain ran midfield before the Welshman was withdrawn ahead of the second half, complaining of a tight hamstring, while the second 45 minutes was all about sitting back and soaking up the pressure.
Wenger will be delighted with the overall performance of his side, who have come in for criticism in recent months following a string of abject displays. The Frenchman took the unusual step of naming his starting lineup 24 hours before kickoff, revealing that his key men would not be among the travelling party for this one. That allowed the likes of Yaya Sanogo, Joel Campbell and Podolski to shine on the biggest stage of all, and the latter certainly did just that. This was a far better showing from the North London outfit, although they must now replicate what we witnessed at the Turk Telekom Arena against Newcastle United on the weekend.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Aaron Ramsey: On the field for just 45 minutes before being withdrawn, Ramsey created three chances, set up one goal, found the net twice - including a volley from 25 yards out - won two tackles and completed 95% of his passes. Combine that with the fact that the Welshman has now scored three in his last two games, and you get the impression that he is quickly returning to his best form which is a huge boost to the Gunners' hopes.
Biggest gaffe
Sinan Bolat hardly had time to set himself before having to pick the ball out of the back of the net for the first time following Podolski's strike inside the opening three minutes. Some will argue that the ball was so well hit that the Gala stopper simply had no chance of keeping it out, but Bolat will no doubt still feel annoyed that he was beaten from a tight angle in the fashion that we saw.
Referee performance
David Fernandez Borbalan did not have too many decisions to make, although the first half turned out to be a little scrappy and a few yellow cards were handed out. Tried to let play flow while he could, but the number of cynical challenges in midfield stopped that from happening.
What next?
Galatasaray: Hamzaoglu's charges return to domestic cup action on the weekend when they take on Konyaspor, looking to return to winning ways following this setback.
Arsenal: The Gunners now await their fate in terms of who they will face in the first knockout stage of the Champions League, but before that comes a raft of domestic fixtures, beginning with the visit of Newcastle on Saturday.
Daniel Lewis
