It did not matter in the end what result Arsenal got away to Cologne tonight, as the other two clubs in our Europa League group drew so the Gunners will win the group anyway, but it was not exactly what we need in terms of form and confidence.
Arsenal were the better team for most of this away tie but it just would not quite click up front, while yet another in a season full of dodgy penalty decisions going against us meant that the Germans were able to score the opener and then hold on valiantly for what is a huge result for the team rock bottom of the Bundesliga.
Coquelin was only stopped from scoring his first Gunners goal by the post in the first half and there were a few more chances scattered through the match, especially as we pushed for a late equaliser, but our control of the ball did not lead to enough real chances on a frustrating night.
Welbeck and Chambers played their first games after injury so that was a positive, and players like Holding and Wilshere got more useful game time as did up and coming young Gunners like Maitland-Niles and Nelson. The penalty was a blatant dive although Debuchy should maybe not have even given the referee a decision to make.
Oh well Gooners, a night to forget but with the good news that Arsenal qualify for the next round as group winners.