Arsenal come from behind to snatch a point at City

A dominant Arsenal side came from behind to snatch a 1-1 draw against Manchester City at the Etihad on Sunday evening. Jolean Lescott opened the scoring with a header 5 minutes before half time but Laurent Koscielny smashed home an effort at the death to seal the draw. Arsenal dominated the game possession wise and could have easily taken away all 3 points if the likes of Gervinho had finished off some great opportunities to score. The Gunners were at their very best as they carved Man City open a number of times in the first half as they dominated the midfield. A key reason to that was in Aaron Ramsey who was starting his first game of the season as he came in for Oxlade-Chamberlain. The Welshman had played one of the best games he's played in an Arsenal shirt whilst Cazorla was as ever involved in most of the Gunners build up play. Arteta and Diaby were the men that held the team together deeper in midfield. It was also a very good defensive display as Mertesacker was a rock at the back whilst Jenkinson and Gibbs were good going forward from fullback.

Laurent Koscielny equalised with eight minutes left to rescue Arsenal

The first shot on goal came eight minutes in as Cazorla found space to fire an effort on goal from range but it was easily saved by Hart down to his left hand side.

Manchester City's first chance on goal came from Aguero as he drifted inside and hit a shot which dipped but Mannone was equal to it and managed to beat it away.

A quarter of an hour into the game and Gervinho had a fantastic chance to make it 1-0. Ramsey played the ball through to him and he would have been clean through on goal but he took a very poor touch which found its way greatfully into the hands of Joe Hart. With the Ivorian in form this season you would have backed him to score it.

Aaron Ramsey was then the orchestrator of another move as he played the ball out wide to Jenkinson who did brilliantly to get past Lescott before pulling the ball back to Podolski who blazed the shot over the bar.

Santi Cazorla then tested Hart from range again. This time it was a free-kick which he drove from far out but Hart got down well to it to keep the Spaniard out again.

5 minutes before the break, the hosts took the lead. David Silva's corner found the head of Jolean Lescott who headed home in a crowded penalty area just inside the post.

A minute later Man City went close to doubling their lead as Dzeko hit a curling shot from the edge of the area which forced Mannone into making a brilliant finger tip save to put the ball over the bar.

The score at half time was 1-0 to Manchester City.

The first chance of the second half fell City's way as a free-kick found its way out to Aguero at the back post who fired the ball wildly over the bar when he really should have hit the target.

The second half was not as open as the first but late on Sergio Aguero had another decent chance to extend the lead for City. Yaya Toure powered his way through the heart of the pitch and then found Aguero inside the penalty area before hitting a shot which found the side netting thanks to a Mannone save.

Into the last ten minutes and Santi Cazorla once again tested Joe Hart, this time the shot was hit with more conviction and Hart made a fantastic dive to his right hand side to keep City ahead.

From the resulting corner Arsenal equalised. Cazorla's corner was flicked on by Garcia and then it bounced into the path of Koscielny who lashed the ball home in his first game of the season. Cue the celebrations as every outfield player on the pitch bundled on Koscielny, a sign of the great unity and spirit in this seasons team.

The game was far from over as Tevez's corner was headed back into the box by Silva to Kompany who acrobatically found a shot on goal which was saved by Mannone. The ball then fell to Aguero from Koscielny's mistake but he missed from 6 yards out.

In the last minute of the match Gervinho had a great chance to win the game for Arsenal as he got into the penalty area before smashing the ball into the crowd.

The final score finished Manchester City 1-1 Arsenal.

The teams lineups: 

Manchester City: Hart, Zabaleta, Kompany, Lescott, Clichy, Toure, Garcia, Silva, Sinclair(46), Dzeko(68), Aguero(85).
Subs: Pantilimon, Nastasic, Kolarov, Barry, Rodwell(46), Tevez(68), Balotelli(85).

Arsenal: Mannone, Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs, Arteta, Diaby(71), Cazorla, Ramsey, Podolski(71), Gervinho(90). 
Subs: Martinez, Djourou, Santos, Coquelin(90), Oxlade-Chamberlain, Walcott(71), Giroud(71).

Man of the match: Per Mertesacker

Referee: Mike Dean
Attendance: 47,318

Podolski and Gervinho seal win against Montpellier

Arsenal won in their first Champions League group game of the season on Tuesday night as they beat French champions Montpellier 2-1 thanks to goals from Podolski and Gervinho. However it was a very hard fought victory for Arsenal against the French side who aren't doing too well domestically this season. The Gunners went behind early but then came back with 2 goals in 2 minutes. Arsenal put out a very strong team which saw just two changes from the weekends victory against Southampton. Vito Mannone came in for the once again injured Wojciech Szczesny whilst Olivier Giroud came in for Oxlade-Chamberlain to play against his former club. Due to the injuries of two of Arsenal's goalkeepers James Shea was on the bench. Steve Bould took charge of the team instead of Arsene Wenger as he began his 3 match touchline ban sanctioned by UEFA.

Lukas Podolski found the net for the third game running for Arsenal

On just 8 minutes, Arsenal were behind and Montpellier had their first Champions League goal. Thomas Vermaelen made contact with Younes Belhanda just inside the area and a penalty was given. It looked to be a very harsh one though as Belhanda was going away from goal and Vermaelen looked to have got the ball. It was Belhanda himself who got up to take the penalty and he dinked the ball down the middle which completely fooled Mannone.

Montpellier then had another chance as Podolski failed to clear the ball and it came out to Cabella but he drove his shot over the bar.

Arsenal's best chance of the match so far resulted in a goal from Lukas Podolski. Cazorla played the ball into Giroud who flicked the ball through to Podolski who calmly slotted the ball into the back of the net for the equaliser.

Two minutes later Arsenal found themselves in front. Carl Jenkinson found space on the right hand side to deliver a ball across the goal and into Gervinho who tapped the ball home.

Cabella was proving to be dangerous for the French Champions though as he cut inside past Gibbs and then fired a shot with his left foot which went just wide of the goal.

Olivier Giroud then had a chance to score against his old club as Kieran Gibbs crossed the ball into him but he fired wide.

The score at half time was 2-1 to Arsenal.

Montpellier almost found an equaliser just after the break as Abou Diaby was robbed of possession inside the box by Carbella but he blazed his attempt high and wide.

Cabella was then once again at the heart of an attack as he crossed the ball deep into the path of Bocaly but the shot was once again high and wide of Mannone and the goal.

Arsenal were up against it in the second half and were then once again tested as Cabella chipped a shot which lobbed Mannone and then came back off the cross-bar.

The Gunners however did finally find themselves a chance as Diaby powered his way towards the penalty area before feeding Cazorla whose driven shot was kept out by Jourden.

Younes Belhanda, scorer of the first goal, then had a brilliant chance to take all three points off of Arsenal as he fainted past Mertesacker and then smashed his shot straight at Mannone from close range.

The final score finished Montpellier 1-2 Arsenal.

The teams lineups:

Montpellier: Jourden, Bocaly, Yanga-Mbiwa, Hilton, Bedimo, Mounier(67), Saihi, Cabella, Estrada(77), Belhanda, Camara(78).
Subs: Pionnier, Congre, Stambouli(78), Jeunechamp, Marveaux, Herrera(77), Ait-Fana(67).

Arsenal: Mannone, Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Diaby, Arteta, Cazorla(90), Gervinho, Podolski(90), Giroud(75).
Subs: Shea, Koscielny, Santos, Coquelin(90), Ramsey(75), Oxlade-Chamberlain, Walcott(90).

Man of the match: Lukas Podolski(Arsenal), Remy Cabella(Montpellier).

Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo(ESP)
Attendance: 30,000

Arsenal thrash newly promoted Southampton

Arsenal convincingly beat Premiership new boys Southampton on Saturday afternoon at the Emirates. The Gunners won 6-1 in a game which they dominated from start to finish thanks to two own goals, two from Gervinho and one each for Podolski and substitute Theo Walcott. It was a perfect game to return to following the International break for Arsenal who showed no signs of rustiness as they were soon into full flow.

The game was of course full of positives. Francis Coquelin came in for the injured Abou Diaby and played well, whilst Gervinho and Podolski were at their best. Many would have thought this would have been the perfect game for Olivier Giroud to score his first goal in Arsenal colours. However he was dropped to the bench for the game but later came on and failed to find the net. Perhaps saving his first goal for against his old club Montpellier? The Gunners meet the French side in the Champions League on Tuesday. There was a negative though. Southampton's goal, the first one that Arsene Wenger's men had conceded this season. Szczesny returned from injury and made a mistake as he came in for Mannone. It was a mistake which new assistant manager Steve Bould would probably have been tearing his hair out at having improved the Gunners defence.

Gerinvho was at his best as he scored 2 goals in the thrashing of Southampton

The first chance of the match fell Arsenal's way. Arteta found Chamberlain out wide who drove the ball into the area and into the path of Cazorla who fired over the bar.

Just 10 minutes into the game Arsenal were ahead. Podolski slipped the ball into the path of Gibbs who fired the ball across goal and it was bundled into his own net by Hooiveld.

The Gunners then almost found the net through Per Mertesacker as the ball was clipped into the German but Davis made an easy save.

Kieran Gibbs then had another chance to set up a goal. He got the ball out wide on the left and delivered a ball onto the head of Gervinho but he headed wide.

Half an hour into the game and Arsenal were 2-0 up through a brilliant free-kick from Lukas Podolski. The German managed to curl the ball over the wall and past Davis into the back of the net for his second goal in Arsenal colours.

Four minutes later, it was 3-0. Arteta played the ball in behind the Southampton defence and Gervinho got into the penalty area before smashing the ball inside the near post to extend the lead.

It was now turning into a riot as Kieran Gibbs hit a shot which was going wide but the ball hit Clyne and then flew into the net for yet another Arsenal goal.

Just before the break the visitors grabbed themselves a goal. Puncheon's ball in was spilt by Szczesny straight into the path of Fox who smashed the ball home.

The score at half time was 4-1 to Arsenal.

Ten minutes into the second half Southampton had a great chance to get their second of the game. Ramirez managed to find Lambert who from 8 yards out slid the ball wide.

The game had quietened down in the second half but that didn't stop Arsenal from grabbing a fifth. Aaron Ramsey got past Clyne before getting into the area and hitting a shot which came back off the post and fell to Gervinho who tapped the ball home for his second of the game.

Ex-Southampton player Oxlade-Chamberlain then tested Davis with a powerful shot from
just inside the area but the keeper managed to parm the ball away.

Three minutes from time Arsenal finished the rout and added a sixth goal. Vermaelen's shot was beaten away straight to Cazorla who found Walcott who slotted the ball home for a goal against his old club.

Southampton then almost did find a second consolation goal as Puncheon did well to get the better of Gibbs before hitting a shot which Szczesny kept out well.

The final score finished Arsenal 6-1 Southampton

The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Szczesny, Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Coquelin(67), Arteta, Cazorla, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Podolski(75), Gervinho(74).
Subs: Mannone, Koscielny, Santos, Ramsey(67), Arshavin, Walcott(74), Giroud(75).

Southampton: Davies, Clyne, Hooiveld(29), Fonte, Fox, Schneiderlin, Ward-Prowse, Davis((46), Puncheon, Lallana, Lambert(76).
Subs: Gazzaniga, Yoshida(29), Richardson, Chaplow, Ramirez(46), Mayuka, Rodriguez(76).

Man of the match: Gervinho

Referee: Kevin Friend
Attendance: 60,097

Podolski and Cazorla goals give Arsenal first win of season

Lukas Podolski and Santi Cazorla scored their first Arsenal goals to give Arsenal their first win of the new Premier League season against Liverpool at Anfield. It was a brilliant display from the Gunners after questions had been asked over the clubs transfer policy two days ago on transfer deadline day. Arsenal had failed to buy a much needed defensive midfielder, and also maybe a striker having not scored in their first two games after Van Persie had left. However, all looked to be forgotten on Sunday afternoon as Arsenal came away with all three points as Podolski scored what hopes to be the first of many which was the first goal of the club's campaign. Santi Cazorla also scored a much deserved first goal of the season having played brilliantly in the first two games. Whilst also Abou Diaby, finally looking fit and back to his best, played one of the best games he's played for the club. The forgotten man himself made Alex Song look like a forgotten man as he put in a superb display in defensive midfield, knowing when to go forward and when to get back, he was the Gunners man of the match. The powerful Frenchman even earned the plaudits of comparisons to one, Patrick Vieira.

Vito Mannone once again started in goal as Arsenal kept a third cleansheet in a row, the work of new assistant manager, Steve Bould is clearly evident. Teenage star Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain started his first game of the season in place of Gervinho, the only change to the squad.

Cazorla and Podolski scored their first goals in the win against Liverpool

The first chance of the game was from a free-kick after Mertesacker had brought down Suarez. It was Suarez who got up to take the free-kick but it sailed harmlessly into the crowd.

Liverpool then created another opportunity. Luis Suarez played the ball out wide to Borini who got into the penalty area before blazing the ball wide of the goal.

There was no surprise as to where Arsenal's first chance came from. Chamberlain found Podolski who tapped the ball to Giroud who layed the ball into Cazorla who struck a shot which was straight at Reina in the Liverpool goal.

Suarez then had another opportunity for Liverpool. Enrique played the ball over the top into the path of the Uruguayan who nodded the ball over the bar.

However, it was the Gunners who took the lead. Gerrard lost the ball to Vermaelen who fed Podolski. He then played the ball into Cazorla who broke away then played the ball back to the German who fired the ball beyond Reina and into the corner of the net.

Liverpool were continuing to press though. Confusion in the Arsenal defence allowed Sterling to get a shot away which luckily for Arsenal struck the post and then went out.

5 minutes before the break, Olivier Giroud had a great chance to double the lead. Diaby broke forward with the ball towards the edge of the area before feeding Giroud who put the ball wide, much to the disgust of Kieran Gibbs who was bombing down the left hand side.

The score at half time was 1-0 to Arsenal.

The first good chance of the second half fell Arsenal's way. Podolski played in Gibbs down the left hand side who hit a shot from a tight angle which Reina kept out.

Mannone was then tested for the first real time in the game as Suarez smashed a shot from the right hand side of the area but the Italian goalkeeper was there to tip the ball over the bar.

Carl Jenkinson, a man who had had a shaky first season at Arsenal, was now full of confidence having put in good displays in the Gunners first two games. He was playing in place of the injured Sagna, and he was allowed to get forward for the first time in the game, as he cut inside before hitting a shot with his left foot which Reina had to get down well to keep out.

The away sides next chance fell to Cazorla as he hit a shot from the edge of the area but he dragged it wide.

The Spaniard, however then did get his goal and it was very much deserved. Podolski was the man to assist this time as he found Cazorla who then drilled a shot which came off Reina and found its way into the back of the net for a 2-0 lead.

With 8 minutes left to play the Gunners almost found themselves 3 goals to the good. Cazorla's corner found Giroud but he headed over the bar.

Vito Mannone then had to be at his best to deny Shelvey on two occasions as first he drove a shot from the edge of the area which he got down well to, and then showed great agility in keeping out a shot hit from distance.

The final score finished Liverpool 0-2 Arsenal.

The teams lineups:

Liverpool: Reina, Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, Enrique, Allen, Sahin(67), Gerrard, Borini(54), Suarez, Sterling.
Subs: Jones, Carragher, Kelly, Coates, Shelvey(67), Henderson, Downing(54).

Arsenal: Mannone, Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Vermaelen(90), Gibbs, Diaby, Arteta, Cazorla, Chamberlain(73), Giroud, Podolski(82).
Subs: Martinez, Koscielny(90), Santos(82), Coquelin, Ramsey(73), Gervinho, Walcott.

Man of the match: Abou Diaby

Referee: Howard Webb
Attendance: 44,932

Arsenal fail to score again in draw with Stoke

Arsenal again had to settle for a bore draw as they failed to score again in their second Premier League game of the season. Once again they created plenty of chances but failed to take them. However the team does look as though it's got potential. There was once again a cleansheet which is a major positive and will also be a massive confidence boost for Vito Mannone who came in for the injured Wojciech Szczesny. The goal less draw surely means that Arsene Wenger will now have to look for attacking reinforcements in the final week of the transfer window though. Or does it? Buying another striker could be a sign that Arsenal are panicking as Wenger's summer buys have yet to find the net. However with strikers looking to depart such as Bendtner, Park and possibly Chamakh another new striker could be on the cards. Not to mention that the Gunners could also do with a new defensive midfielder and also a new defender before the transfer window slam shuts on Friday night.

Aswell as the cleansheet in the game with Stoke, there were some other positives again. Arsenal created a lot of chances and Olivier Giroud looked very confident when taking shots on goal. Meanwhile Santi Cazorla was again dominant in the middle of midfield. Giroud was one of two changes to the starting lineup as the Frenchman made his first competitive start for the club in place of Walcott who was dropped to the bench. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was also on the bench as reserve goalkeeper Damian Martinez was also a sub due to injuries to Szczesny and Fabianski.

Santi Cazorla was once again the stand out man for Arsenal

Just 6 minutes into the game and it looked as though Stoke had opened the scoring. Peter Crouch headed the ball into the path of Walters who fired the ball home but for the offside flag that ruled the goal out.

Arsenal's first chance of the game fell to Lukas Podolski. The ball bounced off of Giroud and into the path of the German who hit a shot which was blocked brilliantly by Wilkinson.

Santi Cazorla then had two chances in quick succession as first his free-kick was blocked by the wall and then he shot once more from the rebound but he dragged the attempt wide of the goal.

Just before the half hour mark Vito Mannone was tested for the first time in the match as Kightly drove a shot from outside the box but it was straight at Mannone who held onto the ball well.

Cazorla was the man who was once again testing the goalkeeper as he drove forward with the ball before unleashing a shot which Begovic did well to beat away.

The new Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen was then on the end of a very nasty tackle on the edge of the box from Andy Wilkinson. A challenge which resulted in a yellow card and a free-kick. Mikel Arteta took the dead ball but once again it was hammered into the wall.

Then as he did against Sunderland, Olivier Giroud had another great chance to possibly win the game for Arsenal. Cazorla's floated free kick found Giroud on the penalty spot but he acrobatically put the ball wide.

Oxlade-Chamberlain, who had come on as a second half sub then had a decent opportunity from a corner. Arteta managed to find the head of Chamberlain but it went harmlessly over the crossbar.

Stoke City hadn't really threatened much but Walters then had a good chance in the last 5 minutes as he went clear on goal and then tried to flick the ball past Mannone but the Italian goalkeeper was equal to it.

Aaron Ramsey, the man who had broken his leg in this fixture in 2010, then almost gave the Gunners the lead as he found room on the edge of the area before firing his shot wide of Begovic in the Stoke goal.

With 2 minutes left Giroud let fly with a speculative effort from far out on the left hand side which chipped Begovic and just went over. The frenchman also had Ramsey in the middle which could have been a better option but instead he went for goal which almost payed off.

The final score finished Stoke 0-0 Arsenal.

The teams lineups:

Stoke: Begovic, Wilkinson, Shawcross, Huth, Wilson, Kightly, Whelan(81), Cameron, Pennant(66), Walters, Crouch(79).
Subs: Sorenson, Upson, Shotton(79), Delap, Palacios(81), Jones, Jerome(66).

Arsenal: Mannone, Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Diaby, Arteta, Cazorla(81), Gervinho(72), Giroud, Podolski(72).
Subs: Martinez, Santos, Djourou, Coquelin, Ramsey(81), Oxlade-Chamberlain(72), Walcott(72).

Man of the match: Santi Cazorla

Referee: Lee Mason
Attendance: 27,072

Arsenal start Premier League season with bore draw

Arsenal began life without Robin Van Persie in their first Premier League game of the season against Sunderland. There were doubts and there probably still are as to where the goals will come from this season. It was a case of a lack of end product for Arsenal, something that the fans are getting quite tired of. We were let off last season as we had the goalscoring prowess of Robin Van Persie taking almost every chance that fell to him. However this season will be slightly different, at least whilst such players as Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podolski settle into English football. The Gunners had many chances to score on Saturday but just couldn't take them, a thing which has become a familiar sight over recent seasons.

There were positives though, none better than a cleansheet to start off the season for Wojciech Szczesny, who has finally taken the number one shirt after the departure of Manuel Almunia. Whilst there were also full debuts for Podolski, Giroud; and Santi Cazorla who dominated the midfield and was involved in pretty much every move of the game as far as Arsenal were concerned. Abou Diaby also looked very good as he finally looked back to full fitness and to his best.

Santi Cazorla was the star of the show as Arsenal drew with Sunderland

Onto the game and the first chance fell to Sunderland. James McClean was set free and raced in on the goal but he hit a shot straight at Szczesny who kept the ball out.

Arsenal's first chance came from Cazorla as he let fly from distance and Mignolet in the Sunderland goal had to be at his best to tip the ball over.

The first 10 minutes of the game was quite equal as Jack Colback then struck a shot from just outside the box but Szczesny managed to save the ball comfortably once more.

Santi Cazorla then had another chance to score after great work from Gervinho down the left hand side. The Ivorian beat two Sunderland defenders before getting into the box and pulling the ball back to Cazorla who just curled the ball wide of the goal.

Arsenal were now starting to dominate as Podolski could have scored from a Jenkinson cross and then Walcott also could have but he fired the ball wide after Gibbs' cross had been knocked down into the path of him.

Diaby then forced a save out of Mignolet as he ran towards the edge of the penalty area, before firing the ball goalwards, but for the Sunderland keeper who tipped the ball wide.

Just before the break Cazorla and Arteta linked up brilliantly before slipping Walcott in who got to the byline before finding Podolski who stabbed the ball wide.

The first real chance of the second half came from a free-kick after Walcott was brought down. Arteta and Podolski stood over the ball but it was Podolski who took it and put the ball just over the bar.

Gervinho was looking very lively, as he had done all pre-season, as he had two shots blocked before the ball came out to Cazorla who shot wide.

Arsenal were showing promising signs going forward as they got another decent chance to take the lead as Gibbs' cross found Walcott at the back post who volleyed the ball into the side netting.

Two chances were then put over the bar as Jenkinson's cross was put over by Giroud who had just come on and then another one was put over by Ramsey.

The best chance of the game came 9 minutes from the end of time as Cazorla slipped in Giroud who, 12 yards, out blazed the ball wide with his weaker foot when he really should have scored, or at least hit the target.

The final score finished Arsenal 0-0 Sunderland.

The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Szczesny, Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Diaby(68), Arteta, Cazorla, Walcott(77), Podolski(63), Gervinho.
Subs: Mannone, Djourou, Santos, Coquelin, Ramsey(68), Arshavin(77), Giroud(63).

Sunderland: Mignolet, O'Shea, Cuellar, Cattermole, Richardson, Larsson(79), Gardner, Colback, McClean, Sessegnon(63), Campbell(68).
Subs: Westwood, Kilgallon, Bramble, Meyler(79), Elmohamady(68), Wickham, Saha(63).

Man of the match: Santi Cazorla

Referee: Chris Foy
Attendance: 60,078

Pre-Season: New signings make debut in thrashing of Cologne

Arsenal played their final game of pre-season on Sunday evening in Germany as Arsenal beat Bundesliga 2 side Cologne. Arsenal's pre-season hadn't gone completely to plan on their Asia tour having only beaten Malaysia late on, losing to Manchester City 2-0 despite dominating the best parts of the game and drawing to Kitchee FC 2-2. However, the Gunners looked back to their best as they beat Cologne 4-0, a side they had beaten 2-1 last season thanks to goals from Gervinho. The Ivorian was once again on the score sheet on Sunday as he, Vermaelen and Podolski grabbed two on his debut. Also making their Arsenal debuts was Olivier Giroud and Santi Cazorla who played the first half and showed glimpses of why Arsene Wenger has brought them to the club. Meanwhile, 17 year old German Serge Gnabry played 20 minutes of senior football for the first time.

All new signings played well as Giroud held the ball up well and showed great strength and was rather unlucky not to score. Cazorla, however, looks to be one of the bargains of the season as he was very good in possession and his vision was excellent. The game will have hopefully given Wenger a chance to have a rough idea of his starting XI for the first game against Sunderland on the 18th August.

Lukas Podolski scored twice on his Arsenal debut

The first chance of the game fell to Olivier Giroud as Coquelin played him down the left and he struck a shot towards the near post from a tight angle which Horn put out for a corner.

From the resulting corner, Arsenal took the lead. Cazorla's corner was flicked on by Mertesacker at the near post and into Vermaelen who nodded the ball home from close range.

Arsenal's next chance was then created by Giroud. Walcott crossed the ball onto the head of the frenchman who knocked the ball down into the path of Cazorla whose shot was saved well.

The Gunners were dominating the early parts of the game and on 13 minutes were awarded a penalty after Oxlade-Chamberlain was brought down on the byline. Lukas Podolski stepped up to take the penalty and slotted the ball home to score against his former club.

Cologne were then gifted their first chance of the game as Coquelin gave the ball straight to Pryzybylko who got into the penalty area and fired a shot just past the post.

Horn in the Cologne goal was pulling off some good saves and was forced to make another from Girouds' attempt. Walcott and Chamberlain played a one-two before Chamberlain pulled the ball to Giroud whose shot was saved brilliantly.

Cologne were now starting to move the ball around and had another shot as Ishak struck a shot from distance but it went wide of the goal.

Giroud was then denied again after Cazorla split the defence with a ball through to him but his shot was saved again by Horn. It was then again from a corner that Giroud's header was tipped over the bar by the Cologne keeper.

Cologne almost found a way back into the game as Royer's effort went through the grasp of Mannone and hit the bar. It was a let off for Arsenal and the Italian goalkeeper.

Three minutes before the break Lukas Podolski grabbed his second of the game. Kieran Gibbs got down the left hand side before finding Podolski who sweeped the ball into the back of the net.

The score at half time was 3-0 to Arsenal.

The first chance of the second half fell to Cologne as Lehmann struck a shot from distance which cannoned against the bar and hit the goal line but luckily for Arsenal, didn't cross it.

Just after the hour mark, Arsenal found themselves 4 goals up. Gervinho linked up brilliantly with Podolski down the left hand side before beating his man and beating Horn at his near post.

Near to the end of the match, Andrey Arshavin began to show glimpses of his old self. The Russian went straight through 3 Cologne players before finding Gervinho who stuck his shot straight at the goalkeeper.

The final score in Germany finished Cologne 0-4 Arsenal.

The teams lineups:

Cologne: Horn, Kubler, Pezzoni, Wimmer, Hector, Jajalo, Royer(45), Schnellhardt(61), Strobl, Ishak, Pryzybylko.
Subs: Schuhen, Eichner, Matuschyk, Tese, Thelen, Broker, Bisanovic(61), Lehmann(45).

Arsenal first half: Mannone, Yennaris, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Chamberlain, Coquelin, Cazorla, Walcott, Giroud, Podolski.
Arsenal second half: Szczesny, Jenkinson, Djourou, Koscielny, Santos, Song, Diaby, Arshavin, Gnabry(69-Van Persie), Podolski(69-Chamakh), Gervinho.

Man of the match: Lukas Podolski