Full Time: Arsenal 3-1 FC Koln
Arsenal produced an enticing second-half comeback to defeat German side FC Koln 3-1 in their UEFA Europa League encounter, at the Emirates Stadium on Thursday.
The Gunners were handed an early blow as Cologne striker Jhon Cordoba put his team ahead with a brilliant effort from distance to catch David Ospina off his line. Starting after the break trailing, Arsene Wenger’s side were back on level terms in the 49th minute, through half-time substitute Sead Kolasinac’s fierce volley.
Star man Alexis Sanchez then put the home team ahead in the 67th minute, with a brilliant curling strike before full-back Hector Bellerin put the result to bed with ten minutes left, with a third goal for Arsenal.
Here’s how the Arsenal players fared on the night:
Arsenal Player Ratings
David Ospina – 5/10
Charged out to clear the ball, hit it straight to an opponent and was punished by Cordoba, who found the empty net with the Colombian still tracking back. Spilled the ball and would have conceded a penalty, but was saved by the offside flag. Did make an important save when leading 2-1.
Rob Holding – 4/10
Sluggish start. Was given a tough time by Cordoba. Kept conceding cheap fouls and lost possession on a regular basis. Though it was a tactical change, he was deservedly taken off at half-time.
Per Mertesacker – 6/10
Not the best of the performances, but still managed to hold things together, especially after a switch to the back-four.
Nacho Monreal – 7/10
Has grown into a reliable option in the heart of the defence. There were a few bad moments, but was a good performance overall.
Hector Bellerin – 7/10
Got forward well at times, but not as regularly as he’d have like to. Secured things at the back after the break. Sealed the game with the third goal, reacting quickly to a Theo Walcott’s parried shot.
Mohamed Elneny – 6.5/10
Started off the game well, with good energy, trying to impact things at both ends of the pitch. But struggled after the break. Was involved in the buildup to the first goal. His reluctance to play those forward passes affected his team’s chances to counter.
Alex Iwobi – 5/10
Looked very much out of place in the central midfield role. Often left his spot vacant to join up the attack, leaving things exposed. Improved after the switch of tactics.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles – 6/10
Another player who looked like he did not belong in his starting role at left wing-back. Offered very little and was much better once he was moved into the central midfield after the break. More involved in the scheme of things.
Theo Walcott – 4/10
Missed two gilt-edged chances in the first period. Was caught offside on plenty of occasions and never really looked a threat. Was subbed off after taking a 3-1 lead.
Alexis Sanchez – 7/10
Started off showing signs of rust, with misplaced passes, but turned it around after the break. Scored the second goal with an absolute stunning finish.
Olivier Giroud – 6/10
His wait for that 100th goal continues, as he was devoid of any kind of service in the first period. Improved after the break, with good link-up play, but that goal continues to elude him.
Substitutions
Sead Kolasinac – 8/10
Replaced Holding at half-time, slotting in at left-back and turned the game around. Leveled things up with a thumping volley and was involved in the third goal as well. Should be starting week in week out.
Jack Wilshere – 6/10
Made his first Arsenal appearance in 383 days, replacing Alex Iwobi after the second goal. A couple of decent moments.
Reiss Nelson – N/A
Came on for Walcott in the final stages of the game.
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