Arsenal were beaten 3-2 by Villarreal at the Emirates Stadium in their final pre-season friendly on Saturday afternoon and one player failed to impress
10:10, 07 Aug 2025
Viktor Gyoekeres had one big chance for Arsenal against Villarreal at the Emirates Stadium
Arsenal were beaten by Villarreal on Wedensday(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Fresh from their Asian pre-season tour, Arsenal returned to the Emirates Stadium to face Villarreal, only to suffer their second pre-season defeat, conceding three goals, including one from a familiar face.
Arsenal found themselves a goal down courtesy of their former winger, Nicolas Pepe. A strike from outside the box hit the post and rebounded off David Raya before a subsequent cross found its way to the ex-Gunner's feet for an easy tap-in past the Arsenal goalkeeper.
The home side soon found themselves two goals down as Karl Etta Eyong tapped in at the back post following a decent save from Raya. However, Christian Norgaard managed to head in at the back post after being left unmarked from a corner, reports Football London.
Arsenal were then caught out as Arnaut Danjuma was sent through on goal, exploiting the high line and leaving Kepa Arrizabalaga indecisive. The Gunners quickly responded when Max Dowman won them a penalty which Martin Odegaard confidently converted.
Here's how we rated the Arsenal players at the Emirates Stadium.
Viktor Gyokeres
Viktor Gyokeres couldn't find the net for the Gunners(Image: Getty Images)
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David Raya – There was little he could do about the first goal and was unlucky with the ball ricocheting off his back from the post's rebound before a ball back in was deflected past him. For the second goal, despite making a good save, he wasn't adequately supported by his defenders to prevent the back-post finish. 6.
Ben White – Frequently overlapping around Bukayo Saka, White posed a consistent threat in the final third. However, he was occasionally caught out of position on the right for the goals. 6.
William Saliba – As always, William Saliba was commanding, handling threatening situations with calm and efficiency. His skill was evident in a couple of impressive one-on-one situations. 7.
Jakub Kiwior – He struggled to find his position when the cross came back in for Nicolas Pepe's goal. He seemed slightly less confident than usual. 5.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – Made an impressive run through the middle of the Arsenal midfield, beating three players before unfortunately misplacing a pass. Despite his excellent footwork, he was arguably caught out for the third Villarreal goal as a ball was played behind him. 6.
Alfonso Pedraza of Villarreal CF holds of Max Dowman of Arsenal during the pre-season friendly match between Arsenal and Villarreal at Emirates Stadium on August 06, 2025 in London, England.
Max Dowman impressed again(Image: Getty Images)
Christian Nor gaard – The Danish midfielder put in a lot of effort, successfully disrupting several Villarreal attacks centrally. He lived up to his promise of scoring from set-pieces, delivering with a header from a corner. 7.
Mikel Merino – Often found himself in the left half space, either attempting to find crosses after some smart runs or playing the ball behind the back line. However, it was clear that the Spaniard needed the support of a creative presence beyond Ethan Nwaneri, and there was a noticeable difference when Martin Zubimendi came on. 6.
Ethan Nwaneri – Showed plenty of his best technical skill in the game, lively throughout. However, there was a moment that drew groans from the Emirates Stadium when he took the ball off Viktor Gyokeres' feet near the opposition box, potentially preventing a scoring opportunity. 7.
Bukayo Saka – Consistently threatening down the right, easily bypassing Sergi Cardona. Unfortunately, his threat didn't translate into many chances, with one shot on goal easily saved and crosses failing to find their mark. 6.
Gabriel Martinelli – Frustrated fans on several occasions with decisions that didn't pay off. He did, however, provide the corner kick that led to the Norgaard goal, but this was the only highlight in an otherwise lacklustre performance. 5.
Viktor Gyokeres
Viktor Gyokeres struggled to get into the game(Image: Getty Images)
Viktor Gyokeres – Always looking to score or create opportunities. His first touch was a low cross into the box that was cleared.
He had to wait until the second half for his chance at goal, played in by Merino, but his shot from a tight angle was saved by Junior. Despite not capitalising on his best chance, it was a promising display for someone who hasn't seen much game time. 6.
Kepa – Not the best debut at the Emirates Stadium, caught in no man's land and retreating from Danjuma's run instead of confronting him. 5.
Martin Zubimendi – A significant improvement in the number six role despite Norgaard's commendable performance. Zubimendi brings a different style to the game, more direct and progressive, making the Gunners appear more threatening. 7.
Cristhian Mosquera – Impressed by the Spaniard's performance, he seems like a promising player and demonstrated his versatility as both a right-back and right centre-half during the match. 6.
Gabriel – Caught off guard for Villarreal's third goal after coming on. However, he regained composure and delivered a solid performance at the back. 6.
Kepa Arrizabalaga of Arsenal during the pre-season friendly match between Arsenal and Villarreal at Emirates Stadium on August 06, 2025 in London, England.
Kepa struggled between the sticks(Image: Getty Images)
Jurrien Timber – Back from injury and it was a joy to see the Dutch international back on the pitch. Executed a fantastic spin on the edge of the box which led to an opportunity. 6.
Declan Rice – Will be essential from the start in games for Arsenal like Zubimendi. He brought much more momentum and drive when he came off the bench. 6.
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Max Dowman – Came off the bench and once again got the fans on their feet. Won another penalty which was calmly converted and will undoubtedly be in the manager's plans this season. 7.
Martin Odegaard – Performed very well when he came on and also scored the penalty. 7.