Nigerian international, Alex Iwobi, returned to action as Arsenal handed FC Koln a 3-1 defeat in a Europa League tie at the Emirates stadium.
Iwobi, who missed Nigeria’s double header Russia 2018 World Cup qualifying clash against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon due to a thigh injury, was in action for 68 minute against the German club before he was substituted for England international, Jack Wilshere.
Meanwhile, Koln’s travelling army were in hysteria when Jhon Cordoba put them ahead on 10 minutes after a gaffe from David Ospina.
Arsenal’s stand-in keeper left his goal vacant and endangered by a scuffed clearance, though Cordoba still had a lot to do and showed great awareness to quickly turn and punish Ospina with a well-executed finish from 40 yards.
Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud had a chance apiece to equalise in the first half, but shot and headed wide respectively from good positions.
It was not until after the break – and a switch to a 4-2-3-1 formation from three at the back – that the Gunners were able to display the dominance expected of them in their first season outside of the Champions League in 19 years.
The introduction of Sead Kolasinac made an immediate impact. He ferociously volleyed Arsenal level on 49 minutes after a failed Koln clearance.
Arsenal were close to their fluent best by the end and killed off Koln on 81 minutes.
A skilful dummy from substitute Jack Wilshere set up Walcott for a shot.
When Timo Horn parried, Hector Bellerin was the quickest to react to poke home from six yards.
Elsewhere in Group H, Red Star Belgrade and BATE Borisov drew 1-1, meaning that Arsenal top the pool after the opening round of fixtures.
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