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Cape Town - Arsene Wenger has heaped praise on new signing Danny Welbeck after his hat-trick gave the Arsenal manager the perfect anniversary gift as they saw off Galatasaray 4-1.
The French tactician celebrated 18 years in charge of the Gunners on Wednesday, and marked the occasion with a convincing Champions League Group D win over their Turkish rivals at the Emirates Stadium.
And, speaking after the game, Wenger had nothing but praise for the England international, whom he snapped up from Manchester United during the recent transfer period.
“He (Welbeck) had a great performance,” Wenger said.
“I think he added that instinct of a goal scorer.
“He was more aggressive and made great runs and he finished well the work of the team.
“He has such good pace that it gives him time to finish calmly and once players understand that their finishing improves a lot.
"It always helps to know that you have a chance to play in the next game. That gives you confidence."
Wenger continued: "What is good for me is that his team play is good as well,” he said. “His team work and work rate are good. It's not just his finishing because he wants to help the team.
"I believe that, technically, he's very sound. I was a surprised that he's technically clean and that he's a good passer of the ball.
"And I didn't know he was so quick. Honestly, I knew he was quick but he can be electric when he starts - he has great pace."
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.
