-
FC Koln 1-2 Arsenal: Gervinho great-double
Arsenal's new signing Gervinho scored two first-half goals as the North London side beat Cologne 2-1 in a pre-season friendly.
The Ivorian striker netted twice in eight minutes before Carl Jenkinson spectacularly put into his own net as Arsenal notched their second win of pre-season.
The hosts, who kick off their Bundesliga season in two weeks, had a positive opening few minutes and created a few half chances.
Eight minutes into the first half though, and it was Arsenal who were leading. New signing Gervinho managed to find some space behind the two centre-halves and was able to latch on to Jack Wilshere's excellent lobbed ball. The striker's first touch was impeccable as he lifted the ball over the goalkeeper and into the back of the net.
That setback did not seem to faze the home side as they continued to play free-flowing football. So too did the North London-based side.
Lukas Podolski then found himself free in the box with only the keeper to beat but the 26-year old Germany forward could only drag wide.
On 16 minutes, Arsenal doubled their lead and it was the former Lille striker Gervinho who got the goal. Wilshere spread the ball out wide to Theo Walcott, who burst into the box before squaring towards the Ivorian. A simple flicked shot from six yards was enough to beat Michael Rensing in goal.
On the stroke of half time, the German side were back in the game through a freak goal. London-born Finland U21 defender Jenkinson, who had a very impressive first half, unfortunately put into his own net. The youngster attempted to deal with a long ball but, when facing his goal, his volleyed clearance flew off his shin and over the head of the stranded Wojciech Szczesny.
It was reminiscent of Lee Dixon's bizarre own goal for Arsenal against Norwich 20 years ago, but fortunately it was only a tour match - although Jenkinson looked disconsolate at half-time.
Both sides made a number of changes throughout the second half with some of Arsenal's big names making an appearance.
Andrei Arshavin was one of those and should have scored during the second 45 but was unable to convert any of his four chances.
The striker only had the keeper to beat on each of those four chances but either shot straight at him or sent the ball wide of the target.
The home side also played their part in a very entertaining second half as they searched for an equalising goal.
Podolski found Milvoje Novakovic a number of times in the penalty area, but the http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifSlovenian was unable to convert.
Overall, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will be pleased with his side's performance, particularly the opening 45 minutes.
The only downside to the match was an injury to substitute Conor Henderson at the end of the game. The midfielder appeared to have gone over on his knee quite awkwardly and was taken off on a stretcher.
Joshua Hayward - on Twitter@JoshuaHayward99 / Eurosport
Source: uk.eurosport.yahoo.com
Team Line-up:
FC Köln: Rensing, Brecko, Geromel, Mohamad, Andrezinho, Riether, Lanig, Chihi, Jajalo, Podolski, Novakovic
Arsenal: Szczesny, Jenkinson, Gibbs, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Walcott, Ramsey, Song, Wilshere, Gervinho, Chamakh
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
0 comments: