Arsenal suffered a 3-2 defeat to Villarreal in a pre-season encounter at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday as they continued preparations for the 2025-26 Premier League season.
Mikel Arteta opted for a strong team with David Raya starting in goal, William Saliba, Jakub Kiwior, Ben White, and Martin Lewis-Skelly in front of him.
Christian Norgaard, Ethan Nwaneri, and Mikel Merino started in midfield while Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Viktor Gyokeres led the attack.
The new signing from Sporting Lisbon struggled to impress despite playing for 63 minutes before making way for Martin Odegaard.
Former Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe opened the scoring for Villarreal in the 16th minute before Etta Eyong made it 2-0 in the 33rd minute.
Norgaard reduced the deficit for Arsenal, scoring a well-placed header from Gabriel Martinelli’s cross.
The Spanish team held on to their lead going into the break.
Arnaut Danjuma finished off a stunning counter attacking move to make it 3-1.
Arsenal’s Odegaard reduced the deficit from the penalty spot after Max Dowman was fouled in the box to make it 3-2.
The Gunners could not find their way back into the game as Villarreal sealed a deserved victory.
The Spanish side also won the penalty shootout 4-3 after Noni Madueke missed from the spot.
Up next for Arsenal is a clash against Athletic Bilbao on Saturday in the Emirates Cup.
