REPORT: FC Cologne or is it FC Köln? - Gervinho!

FC COLOGNE 1-2 ARSENAL

Arsenal

Szczesny, Jenkinson, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Song, Wilshere, Ramsey, Gervinho, Walcott, Chamakh

FC Cologne

Rensing, Brecko, Mohamad, Riether, Podolski, Novakovic, Andrezinho, Lanig, Jajalo, Chihi, Geromel

Match Report

Rhein Energie Stadion

Pre-season Friendly

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Kick-off: 14:30

So Arsenal have made it two wins out of three. This win was the most impressive with the first half creating many chances and had a real intent on winning the game with good creative ability. The most stand out player who only played  thirty minutes was Gervinho who grabbed a brace on his first appearance for The Gunners.

Gervinho scored with his first touch of the game early on into his Arsenal career with a brilliant chipped through ball by Wilshere, which saw Gervinho burst through onto and lobbed the keeper with no hesitation first time. Remind of of anyone? I'll come back to that.

Gervinho didn't have to wait too long for his second goal in an Arsenal shirt (albeit uncompetitive). Walcott got free on the right and slotted it into the middle of the six yard area for Gervinho to show a strikers instinct an slot it away.

This was now the Gervinho show. Gervinho nearly set up Vermaelen (remember him?... you know... the one who used to score all them crackers for Arsenal?), which the defender just got to in time.

FC Cologne or is it FC Köln, I'm not too sure. Anyway, they got back into the game by the freakiest of own goals. I actually chuckled at this own goal when it flew into the net (only because it was a friendly). Unfortunately for the victim, Jenkinson, unlike like Gervinho, his Arsenal career won't be remembered for a great start. Jenkinson has a bright future as he looked good and composed running down the right but also in defense and at 19 he shouldn't have a problem. Just ask Lee Dixon who famously chipped David Seaman from no pressure whatsoever.

Lee Dixon lobbing David Seaman against Coventry City in 1991

Compare that own goal by Carl Jenkinson:

Which own goal wins? I'm going for Carl Jenkinson because it could have gone anywhere.

Back to the match and the second half dragged on a bit and didn't offer the same excitement or any goals that we saw in the first. But it was all about fitness, and the constant changing of players didn't help the flow of the game. FC Cologne came close a few times, but nothing came of it.

It was another good run out for the players and good to see Gervinho have a good impact into his Arsenal career. I said I'd come back to him and he impressed me a lot. He was likened to Henry as an auxiliary striker, he can pop in the right position, give assists and score plenty goals and has a quick turn of pace. I'm really looking forward to him playing in the new season.

Match Highlights: