Written 2 months ago by Will O'Callaghan

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Arsenal came from behind to beat Cologne in their delayed Europa League opener against a backdrop of crowd trouble at the Emirates Stadium.

Kick-off was delayed by an hour as ticketless away supporters attempted to enter the ground, with plenty of Cologne fans sat in among the home section when the tie finally got under way, with the Gunners eventually winning 3-1.

Jhon Cordoba’s early 40-yard strike sent the travelling contingent of fans wild but after the break Arsenal hit back thanks to the introduction of substitute Sead Kolasinac and a change of shape.

Kolasinac levelled less than four minutes after coming off the bench and Alexis Sanchez, a surprise starter ahead of a trip to Chelsea on Sunday, scored a marvellous solo goal before Hector Bellerin secured the win late on.

Image – Dan Mullan/Getty Images Europe

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