A tepid performance at Stoke led to a 3-2 defeat and anger being directed the Frenchman's way, with a video emerging of fans aiming aggressive abuse at the 65-year-old as the players boarded the train home.
In the build-up to the Galatasaray game, Wenger called from a strong response to Saturday's disappointment and got the performance he desired from his players with a 4-1 win in their final Group D match.
Galatasaray were impressively seen off at the Turk Telekom Arena, where doubles from Aaron Ramsey and Lukas Podolski helped to make amends for the Britannia Stadium debacle.
"We gave a strong response from the start," Wenger said afterwards.
"We looked dangerous every time we won the ball back, we had good penetration, we scored good goals and until half-time I feel we were very strong.
"(In the) second half we suffered a bit more for two reasons - some players had not enough competitive games and especially I had to take two players off.
"We were a bit more lightweight in the second half in midfield, but, overall, it was a strong performance."
Those midfield changes saw goalscorer Ramsey and Mathieu Flamini withdrawn with hamstring and calf complaints, respectively.
Wenger explained both were precautionary measures and that they should be fit to face Newcastle this weekend - a particular relief when it comes to Ramsey.
The Wales international has struggled to hit the heights he reached last term but performed impressively in Istanbul, where he followed up a neat first goal with an exquisite second.
Ramsey's effort from 30 yards even led to applause from the home fans, but would have incurred Wenger's wrath had he failed to hit the target.
"Honestly, I felt at the time when he took the decision that it was not the best decision," the Frenchman said, smiling
"But he proved me wrong."
The quality of Ramsey's goal was not the only surprise to Wenger, who was taken aback by the ease in which his side won
At one stage it looked like they could get the six-goal or better margin of victory which would topple leaders Borussia Dortmund if - as they did - the Germans drew.
"(I did not think it was possible) at the start of the game, but at half-time yes," Wenger said.
"But after we were had to take Ramsey and Flamini off, it was too much for us to hope that we could score six.
"We were closer to conceding one or two more in the second half and we defended very well.
"We still had our opportunities but some decisions around the box went against us in the second half, but we tried."
Arsenal's second-place finish means the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona, Paris St Germain and defending champions Bayern Munich could now await.
Monday's draw will be eagerly awaited by all those connected to Arsenal, who will be looking to progress from the last-16 stage for the first time since 2010.
"Look, let's wait for the draw, prepare well," Wenger said
"We can focus now on the Premiership.
"It was my 180th game in Champions League tonight, we won away from home and now 15 consecutive years in the last 16
That, I believe, is an achievement.
"Let's focus on the Premiership until the end of February and the FA Cup as well.
"We play Hull at home and that will not be an easy game
In February, we will see where we stand."
Source : PA
Source: PA