Galatasaray 1-4 Arsenal

1. Ramsey scores incredible half-volley to add to his earlier goal
2. Podolski fires Gunners in front early on
3. Arsenal already through to next round finish second in Group D
4. Champions League last-16 draw to take place on Monday

Manager reaction

Reuters

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger speaking to Sky Sports: "There's a little bit of frustration that we have finished runners-up, but we knew at half time we needed to score six goals without conceding.

"Fortunately, it wasn't enough, we finished with 13 points and did the job tonight.

"We came out strong and that's what I wanted from these players."

On Aaron Ramsey's second goal of the night: "When he took the shot I thought that was maybe not the best idea, but the way he took it, it flew in.

"The goals he is scoring is linked to his performances at the moment and that certainly helps his confidence to score goals like that."

On the disappointment of finishing second in the group: "We won four games, lost one and had one draw. Looking back, we can maybe regret that point at home to Anderlecht.

"There's some great teams in the draw for the last 16 and we need to wait and see who we get."

MATCH REPORT

Europress

Arsenal demolished an abject Galatasaray side but could not claim top spot in Group D as Borussia Dortmund avoided defeat in their final group game.

The Gunners - widely criticised for their defeat at Stoke City on Saturday - were asked to respond by boss Arsene Wenger and did so with three goals inside 30 minutes.

Lukas Podolski powered in a left-footed strike before Aaron Ramsey slotted a second and scored one of the goals of the season with a 35-yard volley.

The devastating spell gave Wenger's side complete control and though their hosts had 32 shots on goal by the final whistle, Arsenal's lead never looked in true threat.

Indeed, Wenger had introduced three debutants in Stefan O'Connor, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Gedion Zelalem by the time Wesley Sneijder whipped a free-kick consolation with a minute remaining.

Podolski, impressive throughout ensured the night did not end on a low point by netting his third of the season, capping a powerful run with a passed finish.

Arsenal's bench, with an average age of 18, perhaps underlined that Wenger believed Dortmund would not falter in their final group game against Anderlecht and the Germans duly played out a 1-1 draw which sees them sit top.

They will perhaps look at Monday's draw with an air of trepidation having faced Bayern Munich in the last-16 in each of the previous two seasons but Wenger will be pleased with an emphatic response to harsh criticism.

Player reaction

AP

Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey speaking to Sky Sports: "We came here wanting to win and we managed that, we're happy we won the game.

"We finished on a high in the group and now we're looking forward to seeing who we'll face in the next round.

"We scored a few goals tonight and took full advantage of the opportunities."

On his second goal of the night: "The ball came to me on the edge of the box and I had a go and thankfully it went in. It's up there with my best strikes."

On his side's overall performance: "We came here with a few players making their first appearance tonight and it was nice to come here and nearly come away with what we needed to finish top.

"I felt a bit of a tight hamstring at half time, so I came off as a precaution with the game against Newcastle at the weekend."

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Manager reaction

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger: "There's a little bit of frustration, but we knew at half-time we needed to score six without conceding.

"Fortunately, it wasn't enough, we finished with 13 points and did the job tonight.

"We came out strong and that's what I wanted from these players.

"When he took the shot I thought that was maybe not the best idea, but the way he took it, it flew in.

"It's linked to his performers at the moment and that certainly helps him score the goals he is.

"We had two favourites responding to the fact they were favourites. We won four games and had one draw, we can maybe regret that point at home to Anderlecht.

"There's some great teams in there and we need to wait and see who we get."

David Pleat

Former Tottenham manager on BBC Radio 5 live

"A clinical first period. Terrific early goals from Arsenal.

"Fine midfield player from Oxlade-Chamberlain and Ramsey.

"They tore through the home side in the opening period. The second half was a bit of an anti-climax, but Wenger will point to the fact he introduced the youngsters.

"They defended resolutely in the second half, Podolski put the icing on the cake."

FULL-TIME

If you need to respond to criticism after a weekend defeat then registering three goals inside half an hour is probably the way to go about your business.

Arsenal were already into the last-16 before tonight's results and though Dortmund's draw with Anderlecht ensures the Gunners finish second in Group D, they can draw confidence from the manner in which they dealt with a trip to Turkey.

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No Brucie bonus then, Arsenal will not be group winners. Perhaps the bonus will come in Monday's last-16 draw? Or will they be punished for second place.

GOAL

Reuters

He probably deserves a second, such has been his quality throughout and with the last touch of the game, Lukas Podolski holds off challenges to break through the centre of the Galatasaray defence and slide a trickler into the corner.

A smart finish. His first was power, the second a cool pass into the net.

David Pleat

Former Tottenham manager on BBC Radio 5 live

"A brilliant free-kick from Sneijder who I believe has been the best player tonight.

"No chance for the goalkeeper and I think Galatasaray have deserved that for their second-half pressure."

GOAL

Reuters

Give him one effort and he hits the target, offer him a second from closer range and he makes no mistake.

Sneijder whips a free-kick from just outside the area into the top corner and this time Szczesny has no answer. A ruthless finish.

CLOSE!

Wesley Sneijder, the much heralded Dutchman with a Champions League winner's medal to his name, lines up a free-kick around 30 yards from goal.

He musters one of those fashionable dipping efforts and Wojciech Szczesny does the equally fashionable trick of punching the ball clear.

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James in Sutton: I will never understand why Podolski spends his Prem matchdays on the bench.

Impressive Pod

Lukas Podolski has impressed for Arsenal tonight, completing 93% of his passes and 85% in the opponents half as well as opening the scoring.

The Gunners have one perfect passer among their ranks, though he did only play 45 minutes - Mathieu Flamini. Not a single ball wasted.

Latest in Germany

Anderlecht equalise in Dortmund and another goal for the Belgian side would send Arsenal through as group winners.

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As it stands

BBC

As it stands, Arsenal will finish second in their Champions League group for the fourth time in five seasons. Their surrender of a 3-0 lead against Anderlecht earlier in the tournament did not help matters.

SUBSTITUTION

Another Arsenal debut handed out by Arsene Wenger as defender Stefan O'Connor comes on to replace Mathieu Debuchy at right-back.

Debuchy played his first game in four months there and completed 90% of his passes.

CLOSE!

Arsenal, though in cruise control and not breaking real sweat, are still finding themselves in the odd exposed position.

Hamit Altıntop is teed up nicely for the home side 18 yards from goal and the crowd give it the big build-up as he runs onto a pass but his effort is scuffed and generally in keeping with what Galatasaray have offered.

Singing in the Valleys tonight

BBC

Aaron Ramsey's brace here and Gareth Bale's header against Ludogorets Razgrad means this is the first time in Champions League history that two Welshmen have scored on the same day.

Liverpool 0-1 Basel

Reuters

Things still not going to plan for Liverpool at Anfield, who are now down to 10 men after Lazar Markovic is sent off for violent conduct.

Remember - Liverpool need a win to progress to the last 16. Follow it all here.

CLOSE!

If last-ditch blocks could be compared to stunning goals as many defenders probably wish they could be, Per Mertesacker has just delivered a wonderful effort.

Reuters

A low cross spills into the path of Umut Bulut four yards from goal with Wojciech Szczesny grounded but as the Gala number nine pulls the trigger, Mertesacker smothers it like an NFL hall of famer.

Arsenal are soaking up a bit of pressure here, Lukas Podolski has just been booked for a few words with the official but nothing to panic about.

CLOSE!

Wojciech Szczesny will feel good about life tonight.

The giant Polish keeper, still only 24, has not played in four games due to injury but his handling has been tip-top.

He is finding a regular foe in Gala winger Yasin Oztekin who has two skidding shots held in quick succession. No spills here.

Goal in Germany

News of a goal in Dortmund and it is not the stuff of dreams for Arsenal fans.

Ciro Immobile has given Jurgen Klopp's side the lead against Anderlecht.

Remember, they must lose if Arsenal are to go through as group winners with this result.

David Pleat

Former Tottenham manager on BBC Radio 5 live in Istanbul

"I don't think there's going to be three goals in this second half for Arsenal, it would be a great achievement if there were, but half time would've come as a rescue package for Galatasaray.

"I'd expect them to be a bit more organised this half.

"Wenger giving those two 17-year-olds a debut will have reduced some of their attacking threat too."

Keeping warm and be comfortable with 5 live

Conor McNamara

Conor McNamara is made up with these heaters in the stand at the Turk Telekom Arena.

He has just tweeted a picture of the devices which seemingly blast heat down on you from up above. Who'd have thought it? What next? Massage in the chairs?

You can listen to Conor and David Pleat on BBC Radio 5 live.

Galatasaray you would think have been given the half-time dressing down by their manager Hamza Hamzaoglu.

Yasin Oztekin has a shot from range which dips over the bar. A decent crack. How much of an eye will Arsenal now have on Newcastle on Saturday?

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Matt Stanley: 3-0 to Arsenal. Does no-one remember the Anderlecht game?

Alexander Ndawula: 0-3 up at half time! I think some of the first teamers should fear for their places on the basis of this! Wenger has options.

Mike Hall: Arsenal handing out a pre-Christmas stuffing to this team from Turkey.

Are you here every week Mike?

SUBSTITUTION

Arsene Wenger does not seem too interested in chasing the six goals which could prove enough to take Arsenal through as group winners tonight as he takes some of his big hitters off.

Gedion Zelalem comes on for Mathieu Flamini who had been booked and Aaron Ramsey makes way for Ainsley Maitland-Niles. This is a full debut for both players at the age of 17.

Down with the kids

Right then guys, it is time to get street with our lingo.

Mesut Ozil uses the type of images I get on a text message from a teenage sister to sum up Arsenal's strong display...

Mesut Ozil

I don't know what Robert Snodgrass is on about. There is no place for bears covering their eyes here...

Robert Snodgrass

But I do think his Hull City team-mate David Meyler is being very harsh on Aaron Ramsey...

David Meyler

Half-time stats

BBC

Do not be fooled by the fact Galatasaray have had 14 shots on goal. They have been on the end of a north-London beat down here.

The stunner

Europress

For those of you unable to see Aaron Ramsey's second goal in this game, it was that good that Wojciech Szczesny put his head in his hands at the other end. Respect.

HALF-TIME

As the half-time whistle blows, Arsenal fans will wonder why their side could not produce this in the first half of Premier League matches.

Not many English sides will play with the all round leniency their Turkish hosts have shown tonight, but credit to Arsene Wenger's side who have been in punishing mood.

They have constantly got joy with passes in-between the Galatasaray central defender and right-back and when that failed, Aaron Ramsey took it upon himself to score one of the goals of the season. A fantastic 45 minutes for Gunners' fans.

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Harry Partridge: Even if Dortmund draw, Arsenal can top the group if they win by 6 goals (and score at least 2 more than Dortmund)

Thanks for clearing that one up Harry. Who would have entertained that one before kick-off?

Peter Collins: What on earth did Wenger say in his team-talk? This is just brutal from Arsenal! Now if they could do it in the league...

YELLOW CARD

Tarik Camdal with what pundits like to call a 'clever foul' on Yaya Sanogo as the big, leggy Frenchman began to close in on goal. There were covering defenders aplenty which saved the defender from a card of a somewhat harsher colour.

One thing we have not probably said clearly but after 43 minutes now seems fair to disclose, Galatasaray have been pretty rubbish.

CLOSE!

Is this a first goal of the season for Joel Campbell...no. He latches on to a slick Aaron Ramsey pass, collects it nicely and fires against Sinan Bolat who turns it wide.

Conor McNamara

BBC Radio 5 live commentator in Istanbul

"There are enormous red heaters built into this new Galatasaray Stadium here in Istanbul.

"Definitely something I'd like to see them introduce those in the Premier League."

Liverpool 0-1 Basel

AFP

In the game Liverpool must-win to go through to the last 16, Brendan Rodgers' side have fallen behind to the Swiss Champions.

Fabian Frei has put Basel ahead after 25 minutes and you can follow all the action here.

CLOSE!

Reuters

Arsenal have been terrific in this opening period, winning challenges, covering the hard yards and generally responding to the swathe of criticism which seems to follow every defeat they suffer.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has been superb and shaken off a knock suffered mid-way through the half, Aaron Ramsey has scored a goal for the ages.

They suffer a brief scare as Wesley Sneijder's cross is headed narrowly wide by Umut Bulut but this has been efficient and admirable.

Latest from Germany

As Tarik Camdal tries to summon his inner Arsenal with an adventurous shot, his wayward effort gives us chance to pause and reiterate that even this dominant result will not be enough for Arsenal to top the group as things stand.

Borussia Dortmund are currently drawing 0-0 with Anderlecht in Germany and only a defeat for the home side would see Arsenal move top.

Follow all the latest in our Champions League live text.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Faddi S: What an incredible strike there from Ramsey! Simply brilliant!

Jerry Elumeze: What an incredible strike there from Ramsey! Simply brilliant!

MJ: Ramsey for the Puskas award! What a belter

Getty Images

David Pleat

Former Tottenham manager on BBC Radio 5 live

"It was a left-footer, half-volley, a good 30 yards out and he kept that ball down superbly.

"It was a rocket of a shot and the goalkeeper just puts his hand up there to acknowledge the quality of the shot."

GOAL

They do not come much better than this strike.

A corner into the box is routine and cleared by the lacklustre home defence who begin to jog out as Aaron Ramsey unleashes a vicious, left-foot volley from 35 yards.

It is like a missile, blitzing through the air into the top corner as Bolat dives and waves it goodbye. Ramsey laughs as he celebrates. Even he can't have expected that.

CLOSE!

The Galatasaray goalkeeper Sinan Bolat looks at his defence with all the helplessness of an under-12's goalkeeper on the end of a weekly beating.

Aaron Ramsey finds space on the edge of the area and with six defenders around him - collectively achieving nothing - he decides to roll in Joel Campbell for his shot to be blocked.

Within seconds Ramsey is at it again, sliding Lukas Podolski in to force a save.

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Sarah Morgan: Thank you, Stoke for galvanising Arsenal into getting act together - hope they bring mojo back from Turkey!

Sam Robson: Today looks like being a Wenger In day on the Fickle Arsenal Fan-O-Meter

CLOSE!

The Gunners could run riot here as Galatasaray are leaving themselves very exposed when they concede possession.

Joel Campbell breaks over the halfway line in a two-on-two situation and feeds Yaya Sanogo who checks and smashes a shot against a desperate home defender. A waste.

David Pleat

Former Tottenham manager on BBC Radio 5 live

"Lovely back heel from Oxlade-Chamberlain who put Podolski in a great position and it was a hammer of a shot.

"But, the Galatasaray defence look really poor so far and Ramsey and Oxlade-Chamberlain are looking very sharp in there."

HITS THE WOODWORK

From an almost identical position to where he opened the scoring Lukas Podolski lets rip and thuds the crossbar.

The woodwork will work for some time. Again the creativity came from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and his neat flick opened space which every man in Turkey knew Podolski would use to open up that hammer left foot.

The Gunners have had three shots so far, two found the net and one hit the frame. More of this would do them.

YELLOW CARD

Arsenal look in complete control here against a side with nothing to play for.

Mathieu Flamini is yellow carded for a slightly high tackle in midfield but that won't worry Arsene Wenger too much, he has some very youthful legs on the bench to cover the midfield yards in the second period.

Rambo loves Turkey

BBC

David Pleat

Former Tottenham manager on BBC Radio 5 live

"One or two Galatasaray players immediately confronted the referee there as they thought there was a foul in the build-up.

"It was a lovely finish from Ramsey, he just guided it in to the far corner and placed it delicately.

"Already, I think Wenger will be wondering when he can introduce his babies off the bench."

GOAL

This one looks all over and Arsenal have carried on where they left off in the second-half of their 3-2 defeat at Stoke on Saturday.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain picks the ball up in midfield to drive forward as the Turkish side protest for a foul. The England midfielder is oblivious and finds Aaron Ramsey whose left-foot shot is tame but accurate. It rolls into the bottom corner across the goalkeeper and Arsenal are in cruise control.

Wenger out.

Getty Images

David Pleat

Former Tottenham manager on BBC Radio 5 live

"It really was an awful miss. It was a golden opportunity and Galatasaray should really be level."

CLOSE!

Aaron Ramsey slides in on Burak Yilmaz in the area to time a brilliant tackle and when the home side force a corner from the pressure, Hakan Balta finds space 10 yards out with the goal gaping but fires wide.

A deflected shot fell into his path to offer a glorious opening. A good response from the home side but a woeful finish. Arsenal fans will be thankful it fell to a right-back.

David Pleat

Former Tottenham manager on BBC Radio 5 live

"Podolski's scored from an outrageous angle there. It was a hammer of a shot and he shouldn't have been allowed to score from there.

"Great finish from Podolski."

EPA

GOAL

Intimidating, daunting, atmospheric, hell, what other words do we hear so often when it comes to a trip to Turkey?

Lukas Podolski is treating it like a beach break. He finds space in the left channel, is smartly found by Aaron Ramsey and draws his left peg back to lash the ball into the top bin.

It whips in at the keeper's near post and is beyond him before he dives. A bullet. Arsenal off to a flyer.

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Sule Sadiq: Arsenal better do the job early because if they fall behind, looking at their bench nobody is going change the game. Nervous.

Matt Fallon: Another night of pure disappointment awaits.

Gaurav Kapoor: come on arsenal! Big chance for Podolski, Campbell and Sanogo! COYG!!

David Pleat

Former Tottenham manager on BBC Radio 5 live

"It's going to be quite a burden on the Arsenal forward line tonight.

"There's an intimidating atmosphere inside this stadium, so it'll be quite a test."

Those empty seats don't look too intimidating to me David.

Pedigree galore

BBC

The teams enter the caldron atmosphere of the Turk Telekom Arena. Hang on a minute, I've gone for cliché there. Tonight there are empty seats everywhere and not a single hint of a flare yet.

Conor McNamara

BBC Radio 5 live commentator in Istanbul

BBC Sport

Commentary notes ready. Listen LIVE on @bbc5live here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/5live

Kids send you grey

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger may have some head scratching to do this evening if things are not going to plan.

His substitute bench contains seven players with an average age of 18 years and around five months.

The likes of Glen Kamara, Alex Iwobi and Ainsley Maitland-Niles are not household names just yet. That said, Chuba Akpom is among the replacements and in my book, he has a great name.

This is Galatasaray's final game in Europe this season. The Turkish club are anchored at the bottom of Group D, with one point from five games, and have lost their last four Champions League matches on the bounce.

Will they go out in a blaze of glory in front of their own fans? Or will they beat a meek retreat from European football's top table?

There is one familiar face in their starting line-up as Wesley Sneijder starts.

Galatasaray: Sinan Bolat, Tarık Çamdal, Semih, Hakan, Telles, Melo, Emre Çolak, Bruma, Sneijder, Umut Bulut, Burak Yılmaz.

BBC

In a relaxed pre-match news conference, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger decided the typical cards close to chest mantra was old hat on this occasion and gave us his starting XI.

Wojciech Szczesny is back in goal after four games out with a hip injury and Mathieu Debuchy returns at right-back after four months out.

In all, Wenger makes five changes to the side beaten at Stoke as Joel Campbell, Yaya Sanoho and Lukas Podolski all come in to the forward line.

Arsenal: Sczcesny, Mertesacker, Chambers, Bellerin, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Flamini, Ramsey, Campbell, Sanogo, Podolski.

Is this really important?

Getty Images

So is top spot in the group an honest reward or merely unnecessary hype? Does it offer a kinder draw?

Around 12 months ago Arsenal finished second in their Champions League group to Borussia Dortmund and were rewarded with an easy last-16 tie against Bayern Munich.

They were comfortably seen off while Dortmund met Zenit St Petersburg and won through.

A year earlier, Arsenal finished second again, this time to Schalke and wrapped up as their runners-up prize were Bayern Munich.

There's a lesson emerging here...win your group.

Gunning for top spot

Getty Images

An Arsenal win tonight in one of Europe's most hostile environments would no doubt do much for confidence but could also potentially secure a kinder draw in the last-16.

The Gunners will top Group D if they win in Turkey and Anderlecht beat Borussia Dortmund in Germany.

The latter may sound unlikely, but let's not forget Dortmund have lost six of their last 12 games. They know how to make mistakes this season, a fact underlined by the fact they sit 14th of the 18 teams in the Bundesliga.

Doom, gloom and a Brucie...

Getty Images

Yes they lost on Saturday by gift wrapping goals at Stoke City.

Yes a section of fans want the manager out.

Yes they have indeed probably needed a strong central midfielder for a decade.

But ladies and gentlemen, tonight Arsenal have the luxury of already being through to the last-16 of the Champions League with a game to spare.

What's more, they play for a nice Brucie bonus....

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