**Arsenal’s homecoming served as a cautious reminder that they still have key pieces missing with less than two weeks to go until the new Premier League season.**
There are just 12 days until the _Gunners_ welcome Premier League newcomers Coventry City to the Emirates, but Mikel Arteta’s side still have some key areas to address if they are to defend their title.
Only two changes were made from Wednesday’s 3-1 defeat to Real Betis in Dublin, with Gabriel returning to the starting lineup, but some defensive cracks were still showing.
Arsenal had not lost in the Emirates Cup since 2019, but first-half strikes from Samuele Inacio and Konstantinos Karetsas handed the visitors a convincing lead.
The _Gunners_ pulled one back through Ethan Nwaneri, but defensive errors continued to prove decisive, with defender Joane Gadou adding to the scoresheet.
Viktor Gyokeres converted from the spot after Christos Tzolis was brought down in the box, but it proved little more than a consolation as Arsenal were beaten on home turf.
**Makeshift midfield highlights Guimaraes need**
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Pre-season has shown more clearly than anything else why Arsenal were so keen to strengthen their midfield with Bruno Guimaraes.
With Martin Zubimendi and Eberechi Eze not expected back until Monday, and Declan Rice potentially needing longer after nursing an injury throughout the World Cup, Arteta named a makeshift midfield pivot of Myles Lewis-Skelly and Kai Havertz.
Havertz’s tendency to drift into attack left Lewis-Skelly exposed, allowing Dortmund to find space through Jobe Bellingham and Felix Nmecha and exploit the gaps.
Arteta could have turned to 18-year-old Ife Ibrahim, but the youngster has only played 56 minutes of senior football during pre-season.
Guimaraes’ arrival will undoubtedly provide a breath of fresh air.
The £75m signing, who has more than 150 Premier League appearances to his name, offers the physicality and defensive nous Arsenal were lacking, while also boasting an incredible passing range to dictate play. His ability to hit long passes and switches of play should give Arteta a much-needed alternative dimension in possession.
The Brazil international received an excellent reception when he was unveiled to the Emirates crowd before kick-off and could make his debut as soon as Wednesday against Como.
**Tzolis shines once again**
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Eager-eyed Arsenal supporters may have recognised one of the names on the Dortmund teamsheet.
The Gunners were reportedly among the clubs monitoring Konstantinos Karetsas during his breakthrough at Genk, before ultimately deciding to pursue Noni Madueke last summer.
The 18-year-old was keen to prove a point, drifting into space before unleashing a stunning curling finish into the top corner to double Dortmund’s advantage in the first half.
However, Arsenal will not have been disappointed with the performance of their own Greek international.
Tzolis continued to pose a threat from the left, delivering several dangerous balls into the box and tracking back to contribute defensively.
The 24-year-old, dubbed ‘Leonidas’ for his incredible fitness levels, provided yet another assist, setting up Ethan Nwaneri for a simple finish - making it four goal contributions in as many preseason appearances.
It is no secret that the _Gunners_ are in the market for another left-winger. They explored a move for Vinicius Junior, who ultimately decided to renew his contract with Real Madrid, while they were unwilling to match the £119m Chelsea paid for Morgan Rogers.
With a limited number of other alternatives left in the market, Tzolis could emerge as an important option for the start of the season.
**Arsenal’s defence still needs tightening**
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The biggest concern from the Emirates homecoming was the defensive organisation.
Simply put, Arsenal look considerably less secure without William Saliba.
The _Gunners_ looked vulnerable in transition and were punished too easily by Dortmund, with several mistakes allowing the visitors easy opportunities in front of goal.
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Gabriel was somewhat sloppy in possession, while Kepa has looked vulnerable in his past two outings.
David Raya’s decision to cut his holiday short and return to training is an important boost, eyeing up a return in the Community Shield final next Sunday.
Arsenal have invested in strengthening their squad this summer, but preseason has shown that not every problem can be solved with new additions.
As more of the key internationals return to training next week, normal service should resume, with the _Gunners'_ next chance of silverware coming next weekend's Community Shield against Manchester City.