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
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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.
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.
Form
Arsenal: WLLW
FC Koln: LLLW
Odds
Arsenal to win: 2/5
Draw: 41/10
FC Koln to win: 15/2
These videos appear to show supporters storming the turnstiles earlier...
Jack Pitt-Brooke describes the scene at the Emirates:
There are thousands of Koln fans outside the ground, not just in the traditional away corner by Drayton Park station but on all sides of the ground.
Those entrances are now closed meaning there are thousands of stationary fans waiting outside. There is a heavy police presence, including a helicopter, and more police are arriving.
The latest from Jack Pitt-Brooke at the Emirates:
With only 3000 seats in the away end, the Koln fans who have got into the ground are now trying to move into the away end, clambering over the barrier between home and away fans to get there.
↵
Riot police at the away end
What a start to Europa League life this has been for Arsenal...
Metropolitan Police statement:
Officers are dealing with disorder at the Emirates Stadium where fans have gathered for the Arsenal vs FC Koln match.
A policing plan is in place for the game. Additional officers have been deployed.
An update from Jack Pitt-Brooke, our man at the Emirates:
Thousands of FC Koln fans are now inside the away end but also in the adjacent sections of the lower tier.
The first Koln players came out to rapturous applause from supporters beyond the marked boundaries of the away end.
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