Arsenal’s return to the Emirates Stadium for their first home pre-season friendly was a night to forget on Wednesday, as they suffered a double defeat to a clinical Villarreal side, losing the match 3-2 before also being beaten in a post-match penalty shootout.
In a moment of cruel irony for the home supporters, the scoring was opened by a familiar face. Former Arsenal record signing Nicolas Pépé needed just 17 minutes on his return to North London to score against his old club, turning in a rebound from close range. As a mark of respect, the winger refused to celebrate.
Despite creating more chances, Mikel Arteta’s side found themselves 2-0 down in the 33rd minute when Etta Eyong scored another close-range rebound for the Spanish visitors. However, new signing Christian Nørgaard gave the home side a lifeline just before halftime, scoring his first goal for the club with a well-placed header.
The second half saw unofficial home debuts for new signings Martín Zubimendi and Cristhian Mosquera, but Villarreal soon restored their two-goal cushion through a swift breakaway that was coolly finished by Arnaut Danjuma.
Arsenal pushed to get back into the game, and once again, 15-year-old sensation Max Dowman made an impact from the bench, winning a late penalty. Captain Martin Ødegaard confidently converted from the spot, but there was to be no third goal for the hosts.
To compound the disappointing result, a penalty shootout was held after the match, which Villarreal also won, securing a second victory on the night and adding to the frustration for the home supporters.
It was a tough evening for Mikel Arteta’s side, marking their second consecutive pre-season loss. The messy goals conceded and the double defeat highlight that there is still significant work to do before the Premier League season begins.