Danny Welbeck 'delighted' to pay back Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger on 18th anniversary

Arsenal 4 Galatasaray 1

(Getty Images)

Arsene Wenger believes that Danny Welbeck is reaping the rewards of his newfound confidence after seeing his £16milllion signing score a hat-trick against Galatasaray.

Welbeck looks like a transformed player since being trusted to play through the middle for Arsenal and Wenger hopes his improvements continue.

“It helps always to know that you have confidence and that you have a good chance to play the next game,” Wenger said. “The potential is there and hopefully this hat-trick will help him to gain confidence.”

Welbeck was delighted with his hat-trick and was so surprised by it that he initially forgot to collect the match ball. “I forgot the match ball, didn’t I, but I will get it after,” he revealed.

“My last hat-trick was probably for Manchester United reserves. This is the first of my professional career. I’m playing up front trying to score goals and get opportunities and tonight it paid off and I got the three goals.”

Wenger admitted to some surprise at just how good Welbeck was. “I have learnt he is a good finisher,” Wenger said.

“He is technically sound and a good passer of the ball. I didn’t know he was so quick, honestly. I knew he was quick, but he can be electric when he starts.”

Welbeck scores his first goal (Getty Images)

“His link up play is good as well his work rate and his attitude is positive. He’s a team player, not only a finisher. He wants to help the team.”