Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has urged his side to bounce back quickly after a 3-2 defeat to Villarreal in Wednesday night’s pre-season fixture at the Emirates Stadium. Despite goals from Christian Norgaard and Martin Odegaard, the Gunners were undone by a clinical Villarreal outfit, with former Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe among the scorers for the Spanish side.
Speaking after the match, Arteta acknowledged his frustration with the performance but insisted the loss presents an opportunity to learn and improve ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League opener against Manchester United in eight days.
“We’re disappointed with the result,” Arteta said. “They had three shots and scored three goals. That pain in the belly after losing a game is necessary and something positive we can use for Saturday and the start of the season.”
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The Arsenal boss admitted his team showed defensive frailties, describing them as “a bit naive” in how they handled open spaces and transitions. Villarreal capitalised ruthlessly, exposing Arsenal’s counter-pressing weaknesses.
However, Arteta remains encouraged by the progress of his squad, particularly the return of key defenders Jurrien Timber and Gabriel, who both featured after recovering from long-term injuries. “We lost Ricky [Calafiori] as well during the tour, so getting these players back is crucial. They’re very important for us,” Arteta added.
Mikel Arteta
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta (Image credit: Getty Images)
The game also marked Emirates debuts for seven new players, a milestone Arteta believes will aid team cohesion ahead of the new campaign. “We have another match on Saturday to finish our preparation and focus on the week against Man United,” he said.
Saturday’s friendly against Athletic Club is Arsenal’s final pre-season fixture and a key chance for Arteta to fine-tune his side following a demanding summer tour that included games against AC Milan, Newcastle, and Tottenham in Singapore and Hong Kong.
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The addition of summer signings Viktor Gyokeres and Cristhian Mosquera has added fresh energy to the squad. Arteta praised Gyokeres’ attitude and positioning despite his limited time in training. “He’s only been with us a week or so, but I’ve already seen a lot of things,” Arteta said, expressing confidence in the Swedish striker’s ability to add clinical edge to Arsenal’s attack.
Teenager Max Dowman continued his rise with another lively cameo, winning a penalty and drawing comparisons to Ethan Nwaneri. Arteta remained cautious about the 15-year-old’s immediate Premier League involvement due to age regulations but confirmed the club will continue monitoring his development closely. “He deserves to have chances,” Arteta said.
With one more pre-season game to play and the Premier League curtain-raiser fast approaching, Arteta is determined to correct the flaws exposed against Villarreal and ensure his side hit the ground running at Old Trafford.
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