Arsenal Vs FC Koln: Highlights and analysis from lethargic loss

Arsenal travel to Germany to face FC Koln as they look to continue their 100% European record. Here is the full recap, all the highlights and analysis from the

Well, that was a terrible game. I am not just referring to the disappointing result, though that is still pertinent. The lack of attacking quality, the lethargy and sloppiness of both sides, the absence of any semblance of energy, impetus or intensity. This was, by no stretch of the imagination, a remotely entertaining game. Nevertheless, thanks to the four wins from the first four games, Arsenal’s qualification is still secured in first place thanks to BATE Borisov’s and Rd Star Belgrade’s draw.

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The first half started in a terribly sloppy fashion. Although Arsenal looked comfortable defensively, there were numbers of loose passes, mistimed tackles, and Francis Coquelin dribbling out of play on two separate occasions that stemmed attacking moves and stented the rhythm of the match. Chances were hard to fashion. For both teams. Francis Coquelin shot wide from distance, David Ospina tipped a whipped Jhon Cordoba shot-cross wide off the far post, while a Jack Wilshere header could not generate the power nor the accuracy needed to steer past Koln goalkeeper, Timo Horn.

The best chance of the opening half hour fell to Francis Coquelin. It came on the half-hour mark, which perhaps tells you everything you need to know about the quality and entertainment of the opening periods of play. Olivier Giroud curled a nice pass into the path of Coquelin, who had surprisingly burst into the penalty area. The Frenchman brought the ball under his control with his first touch, before prodding towards the goal with his second. The shot struck the foot of the post and careered out for a goal kick. The closest either side had come to that increasingly elusive breakthrough goal.

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As the first half progressed, Arsenal’s control of the game increased. They dominated possession, passed through the thirds, and began to create marginal openings in and around the penalty area. Olivier Giroud was unable to latch onto Danny Welbeck’s fired cross, the latter then had a shot flash past the far post after he cut inside onto his right foot, while a couple of Mohamed Elneny set plays nearly found their way onto an Arsenal head.

It was not a particularly exciting game. It did not get much better for some time. Danny Welbeck was subbed at half-time

In fact, it wasn’t until the 62nd minute that there was any serious goalmouth action to speak of. That goalmouth action, though, did breed the biggest talking point of the game. Koln attacker Sehrou Guirassy burst into the penalty area down the inside-right channel. With Per Mertesacker, who was coming across from his central position, and Mathieu Debuchy, who was tracking the run back towards the box, converging on him, Guirassy entangled his legs with latter before going to ground.  Penalty given. It felt soft. It was soft. But it was nonetheless given, with Guirassy converting, planting his effort straight down the centre of the goal, David Ospina stranded, as he slumped low to his right.

Arsenal did respond. At least, a little. Per Mertesacker had a header cleared, Jack Wilshere steered a header over the bar, before hitting a shot from distance towards goal that was well saved, and Olivier Giroud, who slipped the offside, was unable to convert after brilliantly bringing down Wilshere’s lofted through ball.

There were flashes of chances as the game drew to a close. Reiss Nelson stabbed a shot straight at Timo Horn, after some quick feet in the penalty area, Eddie Nketiah tried to reach Jack Wilshere’s cross, but was sounded out by some astute defending, before Jack Wilshere’s thunderous effort was tipped away by the Koln goalkeeper.

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This was far from an enjoyable or entertaining game. Arsenal were sloppy. The attacking play was poor. The result was even worse. But with BATE Borisov drawing to Red Star Belgrade, the Gunners were confirmed as winners of the group. That is a nice consolation for a disappointing evening. But Arsene Wenger will not be happy with what he saw.

Highlights