Former Arsenal man Emmanuel Adebayor scores a hat trick against Turkish against Galatasaray.
As the Gunners were being humbled at Selhurst Park, the Istanbul Basaksehir striker hit three to hand them a 4-0 victory over their local rivals. The result keeps the hopes of winning the Turkish league alive though they remain five points away after 27 games.
Adebayor grabbed the opener after just 11 minutes. The opposition gifted him with the goal as he had an open net to slot the ball in. The 33-year old ex-Man City and Spurs player added another goal through his trademark header by lifting the highest. He completed his hat trick in the second half.
Adebayor is fast becoming a fan favourite in Turkey. With this kind of display he might still have a few years left in him before he hangs his boot. This is the fourth time he would start a Turkish Super Lig game since his move in January but he has already scored five goals.
He could not get an offer in the Premier League where he wanted to remain. Proposed deals to Lyon and a few other interested fell through. It was after his display at the African Nations Cup that the Turkey deal happened and he seems to be focused on repaying the faith.
Besiktas still sit atop the league’s standings with 61 points and a goal difference of 31. Basaksehir still have the chance to topple them with seven games left to play. Fenerbahce, Galatasaray and Trabzonspor complete the top five respectively. Basaksehir are six points adrift their closest opponent and they hope the continental distractions would force Besiktas shed some points.