Danny Welbeck can thrive after Champions League treble, says Arsene Wenger

The former Manchester United player picked the perfect moment to hit form with Arsenal as the first treble of his career inspired a crucial 4-1 victory over Turkish side at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday.

Arsenal's Danny Welbeck celebrates scoring his third goal against Galatasaray during the Uefa Champions League group D soccer match against Galatasaray Istanbul in London, Britain, on October 1, 2014.Show more

LONDON // Arsene Wenger insists Danny Welbeck’s hat-trick against Galatasaray will give the Arsenal striker the confidence he needs to thrive at the Emirates Stadium.

Welbeck had made a tentative start to life with the Gunners following his £16 million ($25 million) move from Manchester United on transfer deadline day last month.

The 23-year-old departed Old Trafford with criticism from United manager Louis van Gaal ringing in his ears.

Van Gaal claimed Welbeck wouldn’t make it at the highest level, a damning comment which earned widespread agreement from critics who said he would never be a natural goalscorer.

Welbeck had hardly silenced the naysayers after scoring just once in his first four appearances for Arsenal, with several good chances squandered in the process.

But he picked the perfect moment to hit form as the first treble of his career inspired a crucial 4-1 victory over Turkish side at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday.

Each finish was more confident than the last and Wenger believes Welbeck’s predatory display will make him believe he can shine in an Arsenal shirt after being used either out of position or as a substitute for much of his time at United.

“Of course it’s good to see that slowly he gains confidence and finishes well. It’s nice to see the potential is there and hopefully the hat-trick will help him gain confidence,” Wenger said.

“It helps always to know you are given the chance to play in the next game.

“What is good for me as well is his link play is good. His work rate is good and his attitude is positive. He is a team player not just a finisher. He wants to help the team.

“He’s a good finisher, technically he is very sound. He is a good passer of the ball. I knew he was quick but I didn’t know he was that quick. He is so fast, he can be electric.”

Welbeck was delighted to live up to Wenger’s billing and he said: “He’s shown a lot of faith in me and I’m delighted to pay him back tonight.

“Just giving me the chance to play up front in my preferred position, I’m going to do everything I can to make sure that he’s happy.”

After winning only one of their previous six matches in all competitions -- a frustrating run that included a 2-0 defeat at Borussia Dortmund in their opening Champions League Group D fixture -- this was a much-needed morale boost for the rest of Wenger’s team, who marked the 18th anniversary of their manager’s appointment with their most swaggering display of the season.

“We had a good start. They were surprised by our pace,” Wenger said.

“We had good transition from defence to attack and Welbeck got on the end of some good movements.”

Wenger knows much tougher tests await -- starting with a trip to Premier League leaders Chelsea on Sunday -- but for now he preferred to bask in the afterglow of a victory that was the perfect way to celebrate his anniversary.

“Let’s not talk about Chelsea tonight,” he said.

“If you were here when I started my career that means you are at least 18 years a journalist. That’s not bad either!”

Meanwhile, Galatasaray boss Cesare Prandelli had to endure critical questions about tactics after a dismal defensive display.

Former Italy coach Prandelli deployed Brazilian midfielder Felipe Melo in central defence and he was brutally exposed by Welbeck.

“It is all my responsibility,” Prandelli said. “It wasn’t a great performance. Unfortunately the defenders played a bit wider than I expected and Melo had to play one against one.

“We will find a system the players believe in. Sometimes the messages I give might not go through to the team, but I believe we have very good players and we should be able to show our qualities.”

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