Arsenal vs Galatasaray: Paul Merson compares Danny Welbeck to Emile Heskey - just before he scores Champions league hat-trick

Merson had questioned Welbeck's composure in front of goal when his side weren't playing well, then watched him score the first hat-trick of his career

Danny Welbeck and Paul Merson (Getty Images)

Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson compared Danny Welbeck to former England striker Emile Heskey last night due to his tendency to go missing in front of goal when a side is not playing well – then watched as he put three goals into the back of the net.

Welbeck starred in Arsenal’s 4-1 victory over Galatasaray to kick-start their Champions League campaign and reignite their hopes of finishing top of Group D. The striker, who arrived at the club in the summer in a dramatic £16m deadline day move from Manchester United, also went someway to dispelling the belief that he can be largely wasteful in front of goal.

Before kick-off, the 23-year-old was somewhat scrutinised by former Gunner Merson, who was in the Sky Sports studio as part of their analyst line-up, said that Welbeck reminded him of the ex-England striker, who is currently a free agent after leaving the Newcastle Jets in Australia.

Welbeck must have heard Merson’s comments – not that there’s anything wrong with being a Heskey… - as he took the game by storm. Benefitting from playing in front of an attacking midfield trio built up of Mesut Özil, Alexis Sanchez and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Welbeck put Arsenal ahead midway through the first half, and added his second just eight minutes later.

Wekbeck celebrates his hat-trick against Galatasaray (Getty Images)

Alexis Sanchez then put the Gunners further ahead before Welbeck returned with his best goal, that saw him chip a delicate shot over Galatasaray goalkeeper Fernando Muslera and complete the first hat-trick of his professional career.

Former England striker Emile Heskey

He immediately ran towards the fans, screaming in jubilation, but he might as well have taken aim at the Sky Sports studio with a resounding “have that, Mers” after proving his doubters wrong.