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After a one hour delay filled with pandemonium and crowd trouble, Arsenal kicked off their UEFA Europa League campaign against FC Cologne. In the lapsed one hour there were debates between UEFA and officials over whether the match would go ahead, but at 9:05 pm local time, it did and what followed was interesting, to say the least.
A wonder strike from Jhon Córdoba put the 18th placed Bundesliga side shockingly ahead in the 9th minute. The first half ended like that and the whistle was greeted with boos from the home fans.
A switch of formation in the second half, allowed new recruit - Sead Kolašinac to level things with an emphatic volley in the 49th minute. Arsenal eventually took the lead in the 67th minute, through a beautiful strike from Alexis Sánchez.
A close-range poke from Hector Bellerín in the 81st minute, settled the game and secured all 3 points for the Gunners.
Here are the 5 main talking points from the game:
#5 David Ospina shows why he’s Arsenal's no.2
In the 10th minute, we witnessed, both, a moment of stupidity and brilliance. Stupidity from David Ospina and brilliance from Jhon Córdoba. The Colombian keeper initially did well to anticipate a long through ball but it was his clearance that let him down.
Instead of hoofing the ball into the stands like any normal keeper, the Colombian opted to gift the ball back to FC Köln in his OWN half. What followed was a wonder strike from Jhon Córdoba, who on the half turn was able to lob Ospina from close to 40 yards out. He left the Emirates faithful stunned and sent the legions of Cologne fans into ecstasy.
After such a calamitous mistake, Ospina resembled a bag of nerves for the rest of the game. Every cross that came, the Colombian fluffed at it, sending panic across the defence. Fans who complained about Petr Cech in the past will be forced to hold their tongue henceforth, by the thought of Ospina replacing him.
#4 Jack Wilshere returns
For the first time in over a year, Jack Wilshere proudly wore the red & white colours of Arsenal. Greeted by a rapturous ovation from the Emirates faithful, Wilshere came on as a sub in the 68th minute.
In his short cameo, the 25-year old proved to us that he still has a future in North London. Wilshere linked up well with Giroud, played Sánchez through a couple of times and distributed play well from the middle.
Also read: 5 reasons why Arsenal should prioritise the Europa League
The change in formation to a 4-2-3-1 allowed Wilshere to play at #10, where he could make driving runs into the final third.
In 22 minutes, Jack Wilshere completed 2 successful take-ons, created 3 chances and produced an 86% pass accuracy. He was a joy to watch and if his fitness can hold up, he’ll provide Wenger with several selection headaches for the near future.
#3 Rob Holding's horror show
The defender may only be 21 years of age, but his performance against the worst team in the Bundesliga wasn’t good enough. The Englishman looked indecisive on the ball and out of place off it. He didn’t know whether to come or go, hold or push, press or mark.
The only thing certain about his performance was that he was the back three’s weakest link.
Holding only had 59 touches of the ball, but in that time, he was dispossessed once and misplaced 4 passes in his own half. Holding made no blocks, interceptions or tackles.
The 21-year old’s horror show was cut short as Arsène Wenger decided to take him out of the firing line at half time, bringing on Sead Kolašinac instead.
Rob Holding has been touted as the next Tony Adams, but based on performances like these, he may be the club’s next Sebastien Squillaci.
#2 Theo Walcott is not up to par
It’s a mystery as to how Theo Walcott managed to secure a £140,000-a-week contract with the Gunners. Perhaps Arsène Wenger asks himself that same question every week as he now leaves the 28-year old on the bench every game.
However, as the Europa League is more suited to his level, Wenger decided to start the Englishman.
Also read: 5 reasons why Arsenal won't win the Europa League
As Martin Keown said at half time, it’s a wonder what the winger was doing throughout the game. He wasn’t providing width, neither was he making darting runs through the middle. All he did was offer himself as a passing option without doing anything in the build-up play.
Theo Walcott is renowned for his lightning quick speed, but he seemingly refused to use that asset against Cologne, opting to pass sideways to Bellerín instead of running at players.
#1 The real Alexis Sanchez is back
For the first time since his everlasting transfer debacle, Alexis Sánchez started a game for Arsenal.
Last week, Arsène Wenger stated the Chilean was 100% focused on playing for Arsenal, and he proved just such. The 28-year old was his normal busy self, regularly hanging onto the ball and chasing down opposing defenders.
In the 65th minute, the Chilean showed the fans why he’s still their best player. After magically cutting inside and dribbling past a few players, the 28-year old whipped a wicked ball around a defender from the edge of the box to put the Gunners in the lead.
The Chilean's performance answered all questions about his commitment to the club, proving he’s ready to play his heart out for the rest of the season.
