Gervinho scores on debut in Germany

Gervinho scored twice on his Arsenal debut as the Gunners beat Cologne in Germany 2-1 last Saturday afternoon. However a freak own goal from Carl Jenkinson meant that Arsenal were not able to keep a clean sheet. More players went to Germany than on the whole of the Asia Tour, so to play all of the players Arsene Wenger had 3 players which were substituted again after coming on.



With basically Gervinho's first touch of the ball he scored on 7 minutes. Wilshere played the ball through to Gervinho who chipped the ball over the oncoming Cologne goalkeeper for 1-0 to Arsenal.

Cologne's first chance fell to Podolski after Novakovic found him but he could only drag his shot wide of Szczesny's goal.

7 minutes after their first goal Arsenal doubled their lead and it was Gervinho who had scored again. Wilshere found Walcott who got into the box and slid the ball into the Ivorian who could not miss as he made it 2-0.

However Gervinho had to be substituted after just 29 minutes because of the clash he had had with the goalkeeper during his second goal.

On the stroke of half time it was 2-1 as a long ball was played forward from a Cologne player but Jenkinson scuffed his clearance and the ball looped over Szczesny and into the back of the net.

In the last 10 minutes of the game Arsenal had a chance to make it 3-1 as Frimpong won the ball back in the middle of the park and played Arshavin in but his shot was saved by Varvodic in the Cologne goal.

Arsenal 1st half: Szczesny, Jenkinson, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Walcott, Ramsey, Song, Wilshere, Gervinho(from 29 Miyaichi), Van Persie.
Arsenal 2nd half: Mannone(from 69 Fabianski), Sagna, Squillaci, Djourou, Henderson(from 70-89 then Afobe), Frimpong, Rosicky, Nasri, Arshavin, Vela, Van Persie.

Cologne: Rensing(16), Brecko, Mohamad(87), Riether, Podolski, Novakovic(83), Andrezinho(63), Lanig(63), Jajalo(84), Chihi(63), Geromel.
Subs: Varvodic(16), Eichner(63), Pezzoni(63), Peszko(63), Makino(87), Clemens(83), Roshi(84).

Referee: Christian Fischer
Attendance: 41,500