A 3-2 loss to Villarreal in a pre-season friendly was never going to result in fireworks for Mikel Arteta, but the Arsenal manager wasn’t exactly pleased with what he saw. Despite the loss being a mere pre-season fixture, there was no shortage of concerns about defensive lapses and attacking inefficiency.
Arsenal were sloppy at the back and disjointed in attack, offering little in terms of fluidity and cohesion. With just ten days to go before the Premier League season kicks off against Manchester United, it’s clear that Arteta has plenty of work to do.
Fans turned up to Emirates hoping new signing Viktor Gyokeres could provide a spark, but it was former player Nicolas Pepe who opened the scoring for Villarreal, giving the Gunners an uncomfortable reminder of their weaknesses. The Spanish side, who had been winless all summer, seemed more organised and clinical on the day.
The positives for Arsenal were few. However, Christian Norgaard impressed with a competent performance and a goal, while 15-year-old Max Dowman showed courage in his cameo, winning a penalty. There were also return-from-injury minutes for Gabriel Magalhaes and Jurrien Timber, although the overall performance left much to be desired.
As for the penalty shootout, Arsenal fans were hoping for something to cheer about, but Noni Madueke missed the decisive penalty, ensuring the day ended on a sour note.
Arteta’s reflections
“We’re disappointed with the result,” Arteta said after the match. “I think we were a bit naive, especially the way we defended open spaces and the counter-press in a few moments – I think they had three shots, three goals. We’re not happy, but in a lot of things that I saw, I’m very happy. Our efficiency in the final third has to improve, that’s for sure, but a lot of the things we do in all departments, I think we are in a good place.”
Arteta highlighted the importance of using the pain of losing a game to fuel the team’s progress heading into the season opener.
Norgaard’s reflections
Christian Norgaard, who had his first opportunity to play at the Emirates as an Arsenal player, expressed his excitement. “It was fantastic of course, walking onto the pitch, knowing you’re an Arsenal player,” he said. “I’ve tried a few times being in the opposing team and it’s more fun to wear the Arsenal shirt! It was a big moment of course.”
Norgaard’s first-half header from a Gabriel Martinelli corner was one of the highlights of the match. However, he admitted the goal lost some of its shine due to the scoreline. “It was a big moment as well (to score), but I couldn’t really enjoy it as much as I would have because of the scoreline at the time.”
The Danish midfielder also addressed the team’s performance, noting the difference in execution at both ends. “It’s just the final execution in both ends. They had two or three chances, and they scored on all of them. And we had so many almost-chances like that where we just didn’t execute well enough,” Norgaard said.
With the new season fast approaching, Arsenal will need to tighten their defence and improve their attacking efficiency to make a strong start. “So that’s what we have to work on the last 10 or 11 days before the season starts. And if we get that right, I’m sure we will be fine in the season,” Norgaard concluded.
