Arsene Wenger praised FC Cologne following their 1-0 win against Arsenal on Thursday evening.

The Bundeliga side had only managed to win three points in four games so far in the Europa League this term and their victory over the Gunners pushes them from bottom of the group up to third, level on points with Red Star Belgrade in second, who they face in their final game.

Speaking after the match, in which we witnessed yet another lacklustre European performance from Arsenal, Wenger praised Cologne for their spirit and determination. Even if the penalty, which resulted in the goal they won by, was a little soft.

https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/933791718318706689

Arsenal finish top of the group regardless of the outcome of this, or their final match against BATE Borisov at the Emirates in December. However, it would have been nice if we had at least looked a bit more up for it.

This was a fringe squad with experienced players who are supposed to be battling for a first team spot. Against FC Cologne, they showed worryingly little compared to the youngsters who were given a chance.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles was superb in the first half, as was Reiss Nelson almost scored after he came on in the second.

What happened to Jack Wilshere’s ‘fanatic’ spirit and determination? Or any of the senior first team players’ for that matter?