Mitch Freeley

FC Köln kept their chances of qualifying for the knockout stages of the Europa League alive with a 1-0 victory over Arsenal on Thursday evening. A penalty from Sehrou Guirassy on the hour mark was the difference maker for FC Köln in a match which lacked many clear-cut chances. 

 Arsene Wenger made eleven changes from the side that defeated Tottenham 2-0 in the North London derby, and it certainly showed with the already qualified Gunners failing to inspire, despite enjoying the majority of possession and chances in the match. 

Köln was content in the first half to sit back and let the visitors take the initiative. Jack Wilshere who has been a regular in the Europa League this campaign registered the first chance of note for the Gunners, however, his header was easily saved by keeper Timo Horn. 

On the half-hour mark, Arsenal came close again to open the scoring, this time Coquelin was denied by the post in what would have been his first ever goal for the Gunners. A minute later, Danny Welbeck who came in to replace Theo Walcott saw his cross-come-shot flash past the far post. 

Welbeck was replaced at half-time by Alex Iwobi and Arsenal continued to press the German side, who are currently rock bottom of the Bundesliga. On the hour mark, and against the run of play Köln took the lead on a rare foray forward. 

A sharp passing move saw Sehrou Guirassy burst into the penalty area before being bundled down by Debuchy, leaving the referee little choice but to point to the spot. The French striker stepped up and thumped his penalty past Ospina to give the Billy Goats the unlikeliest of leads. 

Arsenal shook themselves into life after conceding and were able to create a couple of chances for an equaliser. The pick of which came from 17-year-old substitute Reiss Nelson, who skipped through the Köln defence before seeing his shot pushed away by Timo Horn. 

The full-time whistle was greeted by cheers by the FC Köln fans who have kept their Europa League dreams alive. As for Arsenal, they have now lost their last four games in Germany and will turn their attention to an away encounter with Burnley in the Premier League.