Arsenal qualify for Europa League knockout stage

Arsenal have qualified for the last 32 of the Europa League.

Having won their first three matches in Group H, Arsene Wenger's side needed only one more win to be assured of their passage into the knockout rounds.

Red Star Belgrade, much like two weeks ago, proved tough opposition and enjoyed the better of the first half before holding back a late Gunners surge for a share of the spoils.

Ultimately though even three points were not required as Cologne, winless in their first three games, overcame a 2-1 half-time deficit to secure a 5-2 home win over BATE Borisov in Germany.

The result means Arsenal cannot be caught by both BATE and Red Star, who still have to play each other again, though they are not yet assured of top spot in Group H.

Arsenal can secure that with victory in Cologne in their next Europa League game, scheduled for November 23.