RVP plays in Gunners’ 4-0 thrashing of Cologne

Unsettled Arsenal striker Robin van Persie came off the bench as the Gunners ended their pre-season preparations with an emphatic 4-0 victory against Cologne yesterday.

The Dutchman took the captain’s armband from Thomas Vermaelen after replacing Lukas Podolski in the 69th minute but got a muted reception from the travelling Arsenal fans.

The Gunners got off to the perfect start in the Rhein Energie Stadion as Santi Cazorla’s corner kick was flicked on at the near post by Per Mertesacker for Vermaelen to power in a header at the back post.