The Gunners had a wonderful time out on Tuesday night, advancing past their Champions League group with a deserved 4 – 1 win over Turkish giants Galatasaray at the Turk Telekom Arena.
Depressed by their 3-2 defeat to Stoke City, they forged ahead in strength and a 3 minute goal brought back hope to the team.
Wenger expressed delight in his side’s performance
“We gave a strong response,” said Gunners boss.
“We were dangerous every time we won the ball back, had good penetration, goals and until half-time we were very strong.
“In the second half we suffered a bit more – some players had not enough competitive games and I had to take two
players off. We were a bit more lightweight in midfield. It was, overall, a strong performance.”
The Frenchman added:
“They played a different system in the first game, with three centre backs in the first half, tonight it was more a 4-2-3-1. It was different. what hurt Galatasaray in both games was our pace and power. The
dominant player was Sneijder.
“We have played a few games where we have not been efficient enough. We have had many, many, many defensive injuries and we have paid the price for that. Overall the dynamic in the team is very good, even in the Premier League.
“We can focus now on the Premier League. It was my 180th game in the Champions League tonight, we won away from home and are now 15 consecutive years in the last 16. I believe that is an achievement. Let’s focus on the Premier League and until the end of February, and the FA Cup as well. Hull will not be an easy game. In February, we will see where we stand.”