Danny Welbeck Announces Himself as Arsenal Thrash Galatasaray

This was Danny Welbeck’s fifth appearance in an Arsenal shirt. However, it will be remembered as the one where he truly announced himself to the Emirates crowd.

Welbeck scored a superb hat-trick as Arsenal put Galatasaray to the sword in this Champions League encounter.

After an underwhelming draw in the north London derby, this result was exactly what Arsenal needed ahead of a daunting trip to Stamford Bridge on Sunday. The Gunners were certainly helped by Galatasaray’s defensive incompetence, but that shouldn’t detract too much from a landmark evening for both Arsenal and Welbeck.

This match, after all, marked the 18th anniversary of the start of Arsene Wenger’s reign in north London. Last month, Welbeck became the 100th player to score under Wenger’s management when he netted his first Arsenal goal. On this auspicious night, he marked the occasion with the first treble of his senior career.

It was an outstanding performance in which Welbeck showcased all the major qualities one would hope to see in a modern striker.

His work rate is exemplary. When required, he has no hesitation about dropping into midfield to fill in for team-mates. He holds the ball up well, and his passing is consistently accurate.

Crucially, he’s quick. Welbeck is able to stretch defences with his speed, and he pairs his athleticism with astute decision-making. It’s not just how fast his runs are, it’s how smart they are, too.

Welbeck plays with the footballing intelligence you’d expect of a player whose skills have been honed at Manchester United’s fabled academy.

The major criticism of his game has been his lack of composure in front of goal. However, against Galatasaray he delivered a marvellous showcase of his finishing ability.

For his first goal, he delayed before toe-poking under the goalkeeper. For his second, he charged away from his marker before opening his body and side-footing into the corner. His third goal may have been the tidiest finish of all, clipping neatly over the advancing goalie to send the ball rolling into the net.

In the stands, Welbeck’s blistering performance earned a few murmured comparisons with Thierry Henry. At this stage, that’s hugely premature. This was an example of how good Welbeck can be, but he needs to improve if he is deliver this kind of grandstand performance more regularly.

Welbeck was flanked by the pairing of Alexis Sanchez and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Both are diligent and dangerous in equal measure.

Alexis is showing the same mesmerising form he summoned at the World Cup, while Oxlade-Chamberlain’s time in the gym has imbued him with a muscularity that is difficult to stop. 

That trio have one key attribute in common: pace. With Mesut Ozil and Santi Cazorla threading balls through from the centre, the Gunners were nigh impossible to contain.

When Theo Walcott returns to the squad later this month, Arsenal’s attack will get even quicker. Opposition defenders will be anxious at the prospect. Arsenal supporters will feel rather differently.

On the evidence of this match, Welbeck is settling in at Arsenal every bit as fast as he runs. Against Galatasaray, he gave a wonderful taste of his potential. Arsenal fans are hungry for more.

James McNicholas is Bleacher Report's lead Arsenal correspondent and will be following the club from a London base throughout the 2014/15 season. Follow him on Twitter here.