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.

Image source, 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.

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.

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."

Image source, 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, external 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?

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

Alexander Ndawula:, external 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:, external Arsenal handing out a pre-Christmas stuffing to this team from Turkey.

Are you here every week Mike?

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.

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...

Image source, Mesut Ozil

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

Image source, Robert Snodgrass

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

Image source, David Meyler

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.

Image source, 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.

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.

Harry Partridge:, external 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:, external 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...

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.

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."

Image source, 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.

Image source, 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.

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.

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

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

MJ:, external Ramsey for the Puskas award! What a belter

Image source, Getty Images