Arsenal 3-1 FC Cologne: Official Match Highlights As Gunners Kick-Off Europa League Campaign

Arsenal 3-1 FC Cologne…

Arsenal opened their Europa League campaign with a comfortable 3-1 win at home to FC Koln after coming back from behind to claim all three points.

Arsene Wenger rang the changes for the clash, which was delayed by an hour due to crowd trouble, with Hector Bellerin and Nacho Monreal the only survivors from the team that took the field against Bournemouth.

The first half was subdued both on and off the pitch for Arsenal, but the visitors were full of life.

And the travelling support was given something serious to cheer after taking the lead midway through the first half due to a David Ospina calamity.

The Colombian goalkeeper rushed out of his area to clear the ball, only for it to fall for Jhon Córdoba 40 yards from goal, and Ospina’s compatriot sent the ball looping back over him and into the Arsenal net.

It was a deserved lead and one which would kick us into action.

Arsene Wenger made a tactical change at half-time, bringing on Sead Kolasinac for Rob Holding and thus switching to a back four.

With that tactical shift, the flow of our game returned and we were level shortly after courtesy of Kolasinac who rifled home a volley after Theo Walcott’s cross was blocked.

The game was one in sensational style, as Alexis Sanchez announced his arrival to the party this season with a virtuoso effort.

Alexis skipped past two players and launched an instant curling effort into the far post, with the goalkeeper rooted to the spot.

After a little resurgence, Bellerin sealed all three points for us as he latched onto the Walcott’s saved effort ahead of the Koln back four – hardly a surprise.

VERDICT

This game proved that while we’re clearly a level above most teams in this competition, our 3-4-3 system doesn’t seem to work anymore.

It was a new and fresh idea when Wenger introduced it last spring, but clubs have now figured us out and we don’t look like coming up with an answer.

We’re vulnerable when we lose possession, especially with both wing-backs up the pitch and a lack of protection in front of the back four.

Ironically, Wenger introduced this system to make us less susceptible to the counter-attack.

Hopefully, we can see a return to our 4-2-3-1 system fairly soon.

source: BT Sport