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As it happenedended1505426195

Arsenal vs Cologne - as it happened: Alexis Sanchez and Hector Bellerin help Gunners come from behind to win

A re-cap of all the action as second-half substitutes Sead Kolasinac and Jack Wilshere make the difference following a night marred by crowd chaos

Thursday 14 September 2017 14:59 BST
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Alexis Sanchez puts Arsenal ahead with a delightful, curled strike from the edge of the box
Alexis Sanchez puts Arsenal ahead with a delightful, curled strike from the edge of the box (AFP/Getty Images)

Arsenal get their Europa League campaign under way on Thursday night – a first for Arsene Wenger during his 21 years at the club – against Bundesliga side FC Koln.

The side will rest a host of first-team players as Wenger bids to make his return to the Champions League through the Premier League instead.

As a result, the likes of Petr Cech, Laurent Koscielny, Aaron Ramsey and Alexandre Lacazette have all been left out of the squad, though Alexis Sanchez features and Jack Wilshere is on the bench.

The fixture was delayed by an hour in the 'interest of crowd safety' following fan congestion around the Emirates.

Follow live updates below:

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What time does it start?

The game kicks off at 8.05pm (BST) on Thursday 14 September at the Emirates Stadium.

Where can I watch it?

The game will be broadcast on BT Sport 2 and is also available to live stream on the BT Sport app.

It’s a big game for?

Jack Wilshere. With Arsenal’s first-team players set to be rested for Thursday’s game, the likes of Jack Wilshere and Co now have the chance to shine. The Englishman in particular has a point to prove, having been recalled from Bournemouth only to find himself overlooked as he recovers from yet another injury. It’s game such as these where Wilshere can set about clawing his way back into the regular starting XI.

Wilshere has a point to prove
Wilshere has a point to prove (Arsenal FC)

Player to watch?

Alexis Sanchez. The Chilean has been used sparingly by Wenger after the transfer turmoil of the summer and as he bids to regain his match fitness for the Premier League. Sanchez can expect a proper run out on Thursday as he attempts to rediscover the sort of form which caught the attention of Manchester City in the first place.

Sanchez is yet to regain his match fitness
Sanchez is yet to regain his match fitness (Getty)

Form

Arsenal: WLLW

FC Koln: LLLW

Odds

Arsenal to win: 2/5

Draw: 41/10

FC Koln to win: 15/2

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46 mins: We're back under way in the second-half. 

Evan Bartlett14 September 2017 22:08
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SUB: Arsenal have made a change at half-time, with Sead Kolasinac coming on in place of Rob Holding which means a bit of a shift in formation and a more central role for Ashley Maitland-Niles.

Evan Bartlett14 September 2017 22:09
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48 mins: Brilliant play from Alexis Sanchez who holds off three Koln defenders and lofts one to the right-wing where Walcott is flagged for offside. That looks like the wrong call from the linesman.

Evan Bartlett14 September 2017 22:10
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Evan Bartlett14 September 2017 22:11
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GOAL! Arsenal 1-1 Koln (Kolasinac)

Evan Bartlett14 September 2017 22:11
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In Wenger we trust! Talk about impact substitution, he's only been on the pitch for a few minutes but Sead Kolasinac has levelled the scores. Elneny played it forward to Walcott whose shot was blocked. It loops into the air and falls onto Kolasinac's boot and he rifles it past horn. Great finish. Game on.

Evan Bartlett14 September 2017 22:13
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52 mins: Chance! Much better from Arsenal. Alexis and that man Kolasinac link up and it falls to Iwobi on the edge of the box but his looping volley goes over the bar.

Evan Bartlett14 September 2017 22:14
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  ↵

Scores from across Europe...

Evan Bartlett14 September 2017 22:15
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57 mins: Ironically that goal for Arsenal has calmed the atmosphere at the Emirates where away fans have certainly been the louder on the night.

Evan Bartlett14 September 2017 22:19
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62 mins: The game has calmed down a lot in the second-half with both teams enjoying spells of unchallenged possession without looking to threatening going forward. 

Evan Bartlett14 September 2017 22:25

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