Sanchez hits stunner as Arsenal avoid embarrassment

Arsenal are back in Europe's second-tier competition for the first time in almost two decades, and the return did not happen quietly, rather with a fare share of drama in north London.

Kick-off was delayed by one hour due to 'crowd trouble' created mainly by the 20,000 travelling fans who had taken over the streets of London and had attempted to force their way into the stadium, with the Police making four arrests.

When the tie finally got underway, and fans settled into their seats, the atmosphere was noticeably increased by the incidents prior to the tie. From the off, the 2,000 Cologne fans provided a massive reception with a huge roar when their side got on the ball.

And, after an initial spell of mutual testing, Cologne responded by giving their fans a reason to celebrate. Ospina failed to deal with a long ball by racing off his line to clear straight into the path of Bittencourt. The winger laid it off to Cordoba, who managed to lift it over the back-tracking keeper from 40 yards.

For the remainder of the first half, Arsenal saw most of the ball, but the back three looked nervy following Ospina's early mistake. The visitors managed to pose a threat with very little effort in build-up play, as they comfortably thwarted Arsenal's attempts to burst forward.

Towards the final moments of the first period, the Gunners cranked up the pressure in search of an equaliser before half-time, but were unable to surprise Cologne's back line with their fairly predictable build-up play.

The travelling fans did not stop singing throughout the entire first half, as they witnessed their side deal comfortably with Arsenal's attacks. Rob Holding had a match to forget, struggling to cope when Cologne broke in numbers. Arsene Wenger replaced the English defender at the break, bringing on Sead Kolasinac who instantly repayed his manager's trust.

With the Gunners on the front foot after the break, Walcott was freed down the left and his deflected cross was sent looping into the air and into the path of Kolasinac. The left-back connected a powerful first-time volley which rifled past Horn.

As the home crowd came to life, Cologne were unable to respond. The visitors were camped in their own half, powerlessly watching Wenger's side knock the ball around.

The hosts dominance finally paid off when Alexis Sanchez picked up the ball on the left and went for glory on his own, driving the ball towards the edge of the box. With pressure from defenders mounting, the Chilean found the top corner with a superb curling effort.

Cologne managed to create some danger with rare openings for Cordoba, but the fixture seemed sentenced at this point. And more so when Bellerin gave his team the breathing space they had deserved. 

Another fine team move from the Gunners who found Walcott inside the box. The winger's finish was saved by Horn, who was brilliant throughout the match, but Bellerin latched onto the rebound to fire home.

With Arsenal completing their comeback, the combative German fans went down with a fight. As the match drew to a close, the entire stand of Cologne supporters broke into song with their scarves in the air to serenade their heroes.