A performance in which Arsenal dominated in the first half lead to a disappointing close when an introduction of quality off the bench in the form of Wesley Sneijder and Didier Drogba showed up the Arsenal defence to force an unlikely comeback.

A few naïve performances towards the end of the game allowed Galatasaray back into the game to shock Arsenal on their own turf.

Wojciech Szczesny – 5 – Was rarely tested throughout the game but performed well enough when called upon, until Didier Drogba’s penalty in the 78^th minute and second goal in the 87^th minute, which to be fair he could do little about.

Carl Jenkinson – 5 – A few careless passes and incidences of immaturity, but mostly played well with bursts along the right flank. Struggled dealing with Wesley Sneijder in the lead up to Drogba’s second goal.

Bacary Sagna – 6 – Played well in defence and wasn’t really at fault for either of Galatasaray’s goals. Another encouraging performance at CB perhaps reassuring Arsene Wenger that he may not need to dip into the transfer market to sign a covering CB.

Per Mertesacker – 5 – Was an aerial threat in attack from set pieces. Was solid for most of the game but was beaten by Drogba’s first touch leading to Galatasaray’s second goal.

Kieran Gibbs – 6 – Remained rock solid in defence while also offering an attacking presence along Arsenal’s left flank. Was rarely troubled.

Mikel Arteta – 6 – Playing in a defensive holding role, he broke up play and anchored the midfield, allowing Aaron Ramsey to venture forward closing down. However did lose possession through a few misplaced passes.

Aaron Ramsey – 7 – Endless energy and closing down in the midfield. Was able to flourish alongside Mikel Arteta. A real engine in the midfield, his renewed confidence is a joy to watch. His determination and constant involvement in the game meant Arsenal fans didn’t miss Jack Wilshere too much.

Santi Cazorla – 6 – Was his typical self in the playmaking slot of Arsenal’s attack. Effortless control and dribbling, however slightly anonymous compared to usual.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 6 – Possibly should have won a penalty in the 70^th minute. He showed direct attacking play, and a willingness to take on defenders. Had few chances however.

Theo Walcott –  6 – Provided a few good chances from set piece deliveries, and an abundance of pace down Arsenal’s right flank. However gave the ball away on several occasions and was frustrating to watch at some points. Walcott’s goal in the 40^th minute was more luck than anything.

Yaya Sanogo – 6 – Showed glimpses of quality and an encouraging debut performance that will please and excite Arsenal fans. Held the ball up well and involved others, and tested the goalkeeper early on with a decent strike.

Gedion Zelalem – 6 – Replaced Santi Cazorla in the 61^st minute. Showed that he has the quality to belong in the first team, but possibly faded out of the game too much. Needs to be more involved in the midfield. Still, an encouraging display from the 16 year old.

Olivier Giroud – 6 – Replaced Yaya Sanogo in the 61^st minute. Looked lively and had a few chances that were well taken to test the goalkeeper Muslera. Provided strength and good hold up play but wasn’t provided with too many chances on the day.

Ignasi Miquel – 4 – Replaced Kieran Gibbs in the 68^th minute. Gave away a penalty against Didier Drogba in the 77^th minute, that to be fair was incorrectly judged by the referee. Was beaten by Galatasaray’s attackers on a few occasions. Possibly showed a lack of quality that makes Arsenal fans glad we have Kieran Gibbs and Nacho Monreal.

Lukas Podolski – N/A – Replaced Theo Walcott in the 81^st minute. Was anonymous for the nine minutes he spent on the field.

Chuba Akpom – N/A – Replaced Aaron Ramsey in the 82^nd minute. A few glimpses of quality late on but didn’t have long to have any influence on the game.

The performance against Galatasaray may have showed Arsene Wenger that he does infact need to strengthen his team in the transfer window, as this current squad of players is highly unlikely to challenge for the Premier League title without investment, contrary to Wenger’s beliefs.

When Galatasaray introduced quality from the bench in the form of Sneijder and Drogba, Arsenal struggled to deal with the pressure.

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