Arsenal v Villareal
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Arsenal’s pre-season preparations for the 2025/26 Premier League campaign suffered another setback on Wednesday evening, as they lost 3–2 to Villarreal at the Emirates Stadium and were beaten again in a post‑match penalty shootout.
Goals from Christian Norgaard and Martin Odegaard offered positives, but defensive lapses and missed chances exposed familiar weaknesses just 11 days before their league opener against Manchester United.
Former Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe opened the scoring for Villarreal in the 16th minute, capitalising on a defensive mix‑up and an unlucky rebound off goalkeeper David Raya. The visitors doubled their lead on 35 minutes when 19‑year‑old Etta Eyong tapped in after Raya parried a low shot into his path. Arsenal responded immediately, with new signing Nørgaard heading in unmarked from a corner to make it 2–1, but Villarreal’s compact defence held firm until half‑time.
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The second half brought wholesale changes, as Mikel Arteta introduced Gabriel Magalhaes, Jurrien Timber, Declan Rice, Odegaard and 15‑year‑old academy prospect Max Dowman. Villarreal struck again on 68 minutes through former Tottenham loanee Arnaut Danjuma, who finished a counter‑attack to restore the two‑goal cushion. Odegaard reduced the deficit from the penalty spot in the 76th minute, yet despite late pressure and a missed chance for Viktor Gyökeres, Arsenal could not find an equaliser.
FT: Arsenal 2-3 Villarreal
One more game to go on Saturday against Athletic Bilbao before the trip to Old Trafford next weekend.
Thoughts on the defeat? pic.twitter.com/AbzUasn4Rl
— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) August 6, 2025
A pre‑arranged penalty shootout saw Villarreal prevail 4–3, with Noni Madueke’s effort saved, Gabriel’s shot tipped onto the bar and Mikel Merino firing wide.
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The match gave Arsenal fans their first home look at the club’s £200 million summer signings. Gyokeres showed glimpses of quality but lacked service, Madueke provided energy from the bench despite missing his penalty, and Norgaard impressed with his aerial presence. Martin Zubimendi anchored midfield effectively, while Dowman again caught the eye with his confidence on only his second Emirates appearance.
Defensive frailties remain the biggest concern, with all three Villarreal goals stemming from poor positioning or individual errors. Raya was involved in the first two, while Jakub Kiwior and Myles Lewis‑Skelly struggled against Villarreal’s quick transitions. Arsenal have now conceded in every pre‑season game, recording two wins (AC Milan and Newcastle), one draw (Watford) and two defeats (Tottenham and Villarreal).
Arsenal face one final warm‑up against Athletic Club in the Emirates Cup on August 9 before travelling to Old Trafford to meet Manchester United in their Premier League opener.
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