Live Text isn't live anymore, this is a record of the match events.
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Full Time FULL TIME: Cologne 0-4 Arsenal - an excellent afternoon for the Gunners, who cruise to a 4-0 victory after a series of fine individual performances and collectively there was much to admire too
88
CHANCE FOR GERVINHO: Arshavin did really well to force his way through and cuts the ball back for the Ivorian, but he hesitates momentarily and his shot is eventually blocked
Top Comments:
@JerseyGunner on Twitter says:
Look at the quality Shava can provide when you play him in behind our striker!
@Chibsah2GOAL on Twitter says:
I haven't seen an @Arsenal team with that much depth in a long time. Big names on the sideline, and in the training room.
85
LOTS OF POSITIVES: The second half has been a quieter affair, but this has been a really encouraging afternoon for Arsenal. Walcott and Gervinho has kept up their excellent pre-season form and the new signings all excelled
Top Comments:
@SlimWaidy on Twitter says:
Podolski can score, good link up with Gibbs for the second goal too. Contender for golden boot next season!
80
COLOGNE ON FRONT FOOT: The hosts are pushing on in search of a goal, but the Gunners will be desperate to keep a clean sheet. The players have talked about the influence of Steve Bould on the training pitch, and he will be as keen as anyone to see them keep out the German side
Top Comments:
@Faiz_ArsenalFC on Twitter says:
Santos hasn't gone forward at all today!! Looks like bould is doing his job!
75
#COLvAFC: That's the hashtag to use if you want to have your say on Twitter. As ever we'll publish a selection of your comments right here
73
DROPPING OFF: The tempo of the game has slowed down, as you would expect with such a raft of changes but Arsenal remain comfortable
Top Comments:
@LittelTheoAFC on Twitter says:
How do you choose between Song, Arteta, Rosicky, Ramsey, Wilshere, Diaby, Cazorla, Ox? Somebody tell how Wenger does it.
70
ROBIN RETURNS: Lots of speculation about Robin van Persie, but here he is and he has taken the armband as well
Top Comments:
@Bazza_KD on Twitter says:
RvP with the armband which makes the coming week very interesting indeed!
69
Substitution SUBSTITUTION: Chamakh on for Gnabry
69
Substitution SUBSTITUTION: Van Persie on for Podolski
66
IMPRESSIVE IVORIAN: Gervinho has enjoyed a very good pre-season campaign, and that goal bore was very similar to his strike against Southampton in the Markus Liebherr Memorial Cup last month
Top Comments:
@JLochinski on Twitter says:
Gervinho's pre-season is a direct result of competition within the squad...each player looking to impress at every opportunity
@AshayaArsenal on Twitter says:
Wenger's gonna have a real headache while selecting his team. What a nice team we've got. Healthy competition in every position.
62
GOAL! - Gervinho 0 : 4 GOAL FOR ARSENAL! Gervinho scores a fine individual goal, racing clear down the left, cutting back inside and firing in at the near post
Top Comments:
@GunnerGalactico on Twitter says:
We're playing football like our 2010/11 squad but we have depth and we look organised. I can't stop smiling.
@sujeetshrestha on Twitter says:
Wow what a goal by Gervinho. Nice touch and speed to finish it off with a quality goal.
61
Substitution SUBSTITUTION: Bisanovic on for Schnellhardt
58
WHAT AN EFFORT! Lehmann lets fly from fully 35 yards for Cologne and it hits the bar, bounces down on to the line and is claimed by Szczesny. Brilliant strike
56
#COLvAFC: That's the hashtag to use if you want to have your say on Twitter. As ever we'll publish a selection of your comments right here
55
WHAT DO YOU THINK: It's www.arsenal.com/studio to e-mail our team - Tim and Stephen are fielding your comments throughout the game
52
PODOLSKI CLOSE: The German nearly has his hat trick after being set up by Gervinho, but the defender gets across and blocks his shot
Top Comments:
@WastedyouthLA on Twitter says:
Podolski looking sharp. Good to see we have some depth for once. Saturday can't come sooner!!!
47
ALL CHANGE: It looks like only Podolski has stayed on for Arsenal
Top Comments:
Stephen Hughes on Arsenal Player says:
Fantastic that the Boss has two full teams to pick from
46
Substitution SUBSTITUTION: Lehmann on for Royer
46
Substitution SUBSTITUTION: Koscielny for Mertesacker
Top Comments:
@ScullyFid on Twitter says:
Mertesacker is having a decent game too... Can't pick the starting line up next week!
46
Substitution SUBSTITUTION: Jenkinson on for Yennaris
Top Comments:
@ahmedhussain on Twitter says:
I am impressed by the work-rate Nico Yennaris. Wenger should have him in his first-team plans.
46
Substitution SUBSTITUTION: Djourou on for Vermaelen
46
Substitution SUBSTITUTION: Arshavin on for Giroud
46
Substitution SUBSTITUTION: Gervinho on for Walcott
46
Substitution SUBSTITUTION: Gnabry on for Cazorla
Top Comments:
@quatermass_pitt on Twitter says:
Gnabry looks a big strong guy already, v.good to see that side of his game taken care of already (thinking Richards/Rooney)
46
Substitution SUBSTITUTION: Diaby on for Oxlade-Chamberlain
46
Substitution SUBSTITUTION: Song on for Coquelin
46
Substitution SUBSTITUTION: Santos for Gibbs
46
Substitution SUBSTITUTION: Szczesny on for Mannone
Kick Off AND WE ARE BACK UNDERWAY: A number of changes to the Arsenal team so far, details to come
Half Time HALF TIME: Cologne 0-3 Arsenal - a highly-encouraging half of football for Wenger's side. They have been in total control and all three of the new boys have caught the eye
Top Comments:
Adrian Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
That midfield three look like they have been playing together for years! They are linking up for fun at the moment
@goonerdesi on Twitter says:
Many positives for the Gunners, biggest IMO the sensational combination play. Newcomers and regulars linking superbly
44
STUNNING STRIKE: Podolski started the move with a beautiful ball behind the defence for the onrushing Kieran Gibbs. The left back then picked out the former Cologne striker, who ran on and crashed the ball first time into the roof of the net. Fantastic strike
43
GOAL! - Lukas Podolski 0 : 3 GOAL FOR ARSENAL! Podolski scores his second with a hammer of a left-footed drive into the top right-hand corner. Superb
Top Comments:
@Victory3Harmony on Twitter says:
Classic Arsenal goal. Podolski was made for Arsenal
39
WALCOTT CLOSE: Cazorla, who else, picks out Walcott with a wonderful ball. The England forward cuts in from the left and play a lovely one-two with Giroud but his shot is held by Horn. Lovely stuff
Top Comments:
@berryfiledcelt on Twitter says:
Already Cazorla and Walcott look to have established partnership. Looks like a terrific player
37
NERVY MOMENTS: Wimmer cuts in from the left for Cologne and finds Royer, who hits an innocuous shot at goal. Mannone seems to take his eye of the ball, though, and it skims through his hands and hits the bar. A let off there for the Italian
Top Comments:
Tim Peters on Arsenal Player says:
Cologne are gaining confidence here
33
GIROUD CLOSE AGAIN! Cazorla curls in a corner from the right and picks out Giroud, who sees his powerful header palmed over by Horn
Top Comments:
@tegbe on Twitter says:
Giroud a real threat in the air. Impressive movement from him so far.
32
TWEET US: #COLvAFC is the hashtag to use if you want to have your say on Twitter. We'll publish a selection of your comments right here
31
GET IN TOUCH: It's www.arsenal.com/studio to e-mail our team - Tim and Stephen are fielding your comments throughout the game
29
IN CONTROL: Wenger's side look very comfortable out there, and the three new boys have certainly caught the eye. Podolski has scored, Giroud has gone close twice and Cazorla is pulling the strings
Top Comments:
@Mr_arsenal_blog on Twitter says:
I'm absolutely buzzing watching this! Cazorla looks so sharp, as does Giroud! Podolski has scored! Fantastic! OX and Theo are sharp!
25
AND AGAIN! Arsenal waltz through and Walcott finds Cazorla, who picks out Giroud in space to the left of the box. The Frenchman takes a touch and tries to curl the ball around Horn but the keeper palms it away well
Top Comments:
@damijones on Twitter says:
I am loving Giroud already, nice movement off the ball
22
SAVED! Cazorla plays a lovely pass through to Oxlade-Chamberlain, who has run in behind the Cologne defence. He picks out Giroud, who opens up his body but sees his shot well saved by Horn. Excellent build-up play there again
Top Comments:
@TheAFCWay on Twitter says:
The Ox looks very good playing in the centre of the park, I assume he will adapt to that position throughout the position
19
CLOSE FOR COLOGNE: Coquelin passes straight to Pryzbylko who runs through, holds off Mertesacker and fires his shot just wide of the near post. A let off for Coquelin there
Top Comments:
@WengerBoy1 on Twitter says:
Coquelin hasn't had the best pre-season I don't think. Errors that that quite regular. Still a massive talent.
16
SLICK START: Arsene Wenger will be delighted with what he has seen from his side so far. They have scored twice and Cazorla also went close. The Spaniard has made an exciting start to his Arsenal career
Top Comments:
Tim Peters on Arsenal Player says:
Preparations have been pretty good so far, but it's not the results that matter in the pre-season is it? A lot of changes in the set-up
15
GOAL! - Lukas Podolski 0 : 2 GOAL FOR ARSENAL! Podolski slots home from the penalty spot after Oxlade-Chamberlain was tripped in the box by Wimmer. Tremendous start for Arsenal here
Top Comments:
@IndianGooner21 on Twitter says:
Not want to jump the gun but looks like Poldi, Giroud & Cazorla have slotted in very well... Kudos to Arsene & our scouting team.
14
SO CLOSE FOR CAZORLA! Brilliant play from Arsenal as Walcott attacks down the right and picks out Giroud. The Frenchman cushions the ball back to the Cazorla but his shot is saved
Top Comments:
Stephen Hughes on Arsenal Player says:
Brilliant move again and a great cross by Theo Walcott
@ArsenalXI_ on tw says:
Cazorla pinging balls about like theres no tomorrow. Beautifully accurate too.
10
CAZORLA CATCHING THE EYE: The little Spaniard has shown some delightful touches in these early stages, both from his right and left foot. Promising signs
Top Comments:
@goonsofanarchy on Twitter says:
Cazorla has already changed the way #Arsenal play. fantastic signing.
7
WHAT A START: After a low-key opening, Arsenal score from their first attack of any note. Giroud saw a shot saved by Horn and from the resulting corner, Mertesacker flicked the ball on and Vermaelen forced the ball home from close range
Top Comments:
@voetbalmtl on Twitter says:
that was quick, still early but liking this 2012-13 squad already
5
GOAL! - Thomas Vermaelen 0 : 1 GOAL FOR ARSENAL! Vermaelen nods it home after a Mertesacker flick on from a corner
Top Comments:
@DylanQuine on Twitter says:
Arsenal score with a corner. Very confused with regards to what I'm expecting tactically this season
@ERIC4GOONAX on Twitter says:
The Verminator proves worthy of the armband
2
#COLvAFC: That's the hashtag to use if you want to have your say on Twitter. As ever we'll publish a selection of your comments right here
Kick Off AND WE'RE OFF: Arsenal get us underway in glorious sunshine in Cologne
HERE THEY COME: The teams are out on to the pitch and the Gunners will be wearing their new purple away kit for this one
Top Comments:
@BeckyIvell on Twitter says:
I think our players look good in the away kit.
WHAT AN ATMOSPHERE: Cologne may have been relegated to the second tier of German football, but it the fans are in tremendous voice ahead of this match. We are moments away now
Top Comments:
Stephen Hughes on Arsenal Player says:
This is exactly what you need with a week to go before the season starts
WHAT DO YOU THINK? Go to www.arsenal.com/studio to let us know your thoughts on the Arsenal line-up, or use the Twitter hashtag #COLvAFC
Top Comments:
@joealsharif on Twitter says:
Cazorla, Giroud, Podolski starting. Never looked forward to a friendly as much as this #COLvAFC
TEAM NEWS: So all three of Arsenal's major signings start this afternoon, with Vito Mannone taking the gaolkeeper's jersey and Nico Yennaris in at right back
SUBS: Schuhen, Eichner, Matuschyk, Tese, Thelen, Broker, Bisanovic, Lehmann
COLOGNE: Horn, Kubler, Pezzoni, Hector, Strobl, Ishak, Jajalo, Pryzbylko, Royer, Wimmer, Schnellhardt
Top Comments:
@JACKAFCMCQUOID on Twitter says:
today is going to be hard COL have already started there season so there going to be sharp and fitter than us going to be good game
SUBS: Szczesny, Diaby, Koscielny, Van Persie, Santos, Song, Djourou, Arshavin, Jenkinson, Gervinho, Chamakh, Gnabry
ARSENAL: Mannone, Yennaris, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Coquelin, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Cazorla, Walcott, Giroud, Podolski
If you log on to Arsenal Player now you can watch highlights of the Gunners' entertaining 2-2 draw against Kitchee in Hong Kong
Today's game is likely to provide us with our first opportunity to see the likes of Lukas Podolski, Olivier Giroud and Santi Cazorla in Arsenal colours. Exciting times
Remember you can join the conversation by using the Twitter hashtag #COLvAFC. We will publish a selection of your comments right here
Kick off is as 4pm today (UK time), with Tim Peters and former Gunner Stephen Hughes as your commentary team, but our Matchday Show gets underway 30 minutes earlier. Dan Roebuck and Adrian Clarke are in the studio, so make sure you tune in for all the latest team news ahead of today’s game
If you're an Arsenal member - or you buy an Arsenal Player day pass - you can watch a live video stream of this afternoon's fixture in Germany
Hello and welcome to Arsenal Player for live coverage of the Gunners’ final pre-season match of the summer, against Cologne at the Rhein Energie Stadion
FC Cologne
HORN, Timo
KUBLER, Lukas
PEZZONI, Kevin
WIMMER, Kevin
HECTOR, Jonas
JAJALO, Mato
ROYER, Daniel
LEHMANN, Matthias (46)
SCHNELLHARDT, Fabian
BISANOVIC, Dino (61)
STROBL, Tobias
ISHAK, Mikel
PRYZYBYLKO, Kacper
SCHUHEN, MARCEL
EICHNER, CHRISTIAN
MATUSCHYK, ADAM
TESE, CHONG
THELEN, STEFAN
BROKER, THOMAS
BISANOVIC, DINO
LEHMANN, MATTHIAS
Arsenal
24 MANNONE, Vito
01 SZCZESNY, Wojciech (46)
04 MERTESACKER, Per
06 KOSCIELNY, Laurent (46)
05 VERMAELEN, Thomas
20 DJOUROU, Johan (46)
28 GIBBS, Kieran
11 SANTOS, Andre (46)
64 YENNARIS, Nico
25 JENKINSON, Carl (46)
15 OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN, Alex
02 DIABY, Abou (46)
22 COQUELIN, Francis
25 SONG, Alex (46)
CAZORLA, Santi
GNABRY, Serge (46)
29 CHAMAKH, Marouane (69)
09 PODOLSKI, Lukas
20 VAN PERSIE, Robin (69)
12 GIROUD, Olivier
23 ARSHAVIN, Andrey (46)
14 WALCOTT, Theo
27 GERVINHO (46)
01 SZCZESNY, WOJCIECH
02 DIABY, ABOU
06 KOSCIELNY, LAURENT
20 VAN PERSIE, ROBIN
11 SANTOS, ANDRE
25 SONG, ALEX
20 DJOUROU, JOHAN
23 ARSHAVIN, ANDREY
25 JENKINSON, CARL
27 GERVINHO,
29 CHAMAKH, MAROUANE
GNABRY, SERGE
Top Comments:
@AGRMoore on Twitter says:
Yes it was only a German second division side, but the squad looks settled and the new signings impressive. Good workout