Thursday's Europa League saw Arsenal coming from behind to beat Fc Cologne 3-1 at the Emirates. Jhon Córdoba opened the scoring for FC Cologne in the first half. Later in the second, it was substitute Sead Kolasinac that found the equalizer for Arsenal before Alexis Sanchez and Hector Bellerin added to the tally. However, the visiting team played well in the first half but failed to maintain their lead in the second half and conceded three goals in the span of forty minutes. With this home win, Arsenal is atop of Group H, while FC Cologne are at the cellar.

Here's the match summary in detail.

Arsenal outlook

Starting XI and individual performance points: Goalkeeper - David Ospina (6.64). Defender - Per Mertesacker (7.10), Nacho Monreal (6.54), Rob Holding (6.08), Héctor Bellerín (8.54), Ainsley Maitland-Niles (6.76). Midfielder - Mohamed Elneny (seven points), Alex Iwobi (6.88), Theo Walcott (6.31). Forward - Olivier Giroud (6.82), Alexis Sánchez (8.30). Used substitutes - Sead Kolasinac (7.50), Jack Wilshere (6.39), Reiss Nelson (six points).

Team's strength and weakness: Arsenal created goal bound chances through individual efforts and through balls. They often stole the ball from Cologne players and were good at scoring. However, Arsene Wenger's men were aggressive in their tackles.

Style of play: Arsenal favored long passes, long thrusts, and attempted long shots. They largely launched attacks from the sides.

FC Cologne outlook

Starting XI and individual performance points: Goalkeeper - Timo Horn (5.84). Defender - Lukas Klünter (six points), Dominique Heintz (six points), Jorge Meré (5.71), Konstantin Rausch (six points).

Midfielder - Matthias Lehmann (six points), Simon Zoller (6.10), Marco Höger (6.21), Jonas Hector (6.32), Leonardo Bittencourt (7.86). Forward - Jhon Córdoba (7.90). Used substitutes - Marcel Risse (five points), Yuya Osako (5.34), Milos Jojic (six points).

Teams strength and weakness: Cologne often stole the ball from Arsenal players and gained reasonable ball possession.

Peter Stoger's men created goal scoring chances through the flanks and long passes. In their weakness, they committed several individual errors and gave away free kicks within their half.

Style of play: Cologne played with width, often gained possession and favored through balls.

Man of the match

Arsenal right-back Héctor Bellerín was superb in the defense. He made 4 clean interceptions, won three aerial ball contests and completed seventy-four touches.

Group H upcoming fixtures

Arsenal will hit the road to face BATE Borisov on Thursday 28 September, while FC Cologne welcomes FK Crvena Zvezda the same night.
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