Gervinho made his Arsenal debut earlier today in stunning fashion.  The Ivorian striker netted both Arsenal goals as the Gunners surged past FC Cologne 2-1.  Cologne’s only tally came on an embarrassing own goal by Carl Jenkinson.

Jack Wilshere was key in both Gervinho goals.  In the 7th minute, Wilshere unleashed a brilliant through ball that found Gervinho.  The Ivorian lifted the ball over the keeper for the easy finish.  I say easy because that is how it  appeared.  The finish was really very skillful.

Gervinho struck again in the 15th minute.  Jack Wilshere threaded a ball to Theo Walcott, right by a stretching Cologne defender.  Walcott put a low cross into the middle and Gervinho stuffed it in while colliding with the Cologne keeper Michael Rensing.  Rensing had to leave the game after the impact.

Gervinho was substituted in the 29th minute for precautionary reasons.

Near the end of the first half, Cologne were turning up the pressure, and Carl Jenkinson gave in.  Jenkinson, in an attempt to clear a cross, chipped the ball into the air in the direction of his own goal.  The ball looped magically over Szczesny, who could do nothing about it.

The second half flow was disrupted by changes on both sides.  Regulars Robin van Persie, Samir Nasri, and Bacary Sagna made appearences in the second half.  Besides a few crosses from Sagna, the trio did not make much impact on the match.

Lukas Podolski and Milivoje Novakovic were the main attacking threats for Cologne.  Both tested Szczesny, Mannone, and Fabianski a number of times.  Fabianski made his return from a hampering injury today.

Despite this win, Wenger still needs to buy a defender.  The terrible mistake by Jenkinson was a page right out of the Gunner playbook.  Koscielny will be proud.  But seriously, the mistake could have cost Arsenal the game.

Andrey Arshavin was not at his best today.  His touch and skill was there, but the vision and finishing was not.  The little Russian made poor passes and off-target shots throughout the second half.  If Arshavin was faster, he would be Theo Walcott.

Jack Wilshere is a reason to forget about Nasri and Fabregas.  The Englishman showed his pure class and skill today with his runs through the middle and excellent passing.  He will have a better season than Fabregas and Nasri, no matter if they stay or go.

Arsene Wenger commented on Gervinho’s performances (told to Arsenal.com):  “He has shown his qualities.  He has quick movement behind [the defence], the timing of his movement is great and he is easy to find.  We have seen what he can bring to the team and he contributes to the high pace we have in the team.”

Gervinho could be this season’s Chicharito.  Although Gervinho was more prominent at Lille than Hernandez was in Mexico, the Ivorian shows the same hunger for the ball.  Both know how to position themselves to scrape a goal past the opposition.  And finally, the two are supreme finishers.

Here is what Wenger had to say about the match afterwords: “We played at a good pace in the first half and looked dangerous.  Gervinho had a good start and that is always important for his confidence.  Overall, I liked today.  We took many risks and were exposed to counter-attacks but, overall, I am happy.”

Kieran Gibbs left Arsenal wide open for the counter-attack.  Sometimes he would be pushed farther up the pitch than the winger.  Gibbs is more of a winger than a left back.  He either needs to share more of the defensive responsiblities or he needs to be replaced.

Connor Henderson, who came on as a late sub for Gibbs, suffered an ugly injury to his leg late in the game.  Arsenal Wenger commented on the incident:  “The only sad thing today is the injury to Conor Henderson, it looks quite bad but let us hope that we have good news tomorrow morning.  He twisted his knee, I don’t know how big the damage is but the first signs don’t look too encouraging.”

Arsenal will take part in the Emirates Cup next weekend.  Many Gooners, like myself, will be looking forward to the match against the New York Red Bulls.  The American team features Arsenal legend Thierry Henry.  What will Arsenal do to prepare during the week?  Arsene has the answer:

“Training, training, training! Morning and afternoon.  It is a block of work that will be very intense for us.  Tomorrow will be an easier day but Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday will be higher levels of work.”