Arsenal suffered their second consecutive pre-season defeat, losing 3-2 to Villarreal at the Emirates Stadium.
Former Gunner Nicolas Pepe opened the scoring from close range, and the La Liga side doubled their lead when Etta Eyong found the net from inside the box after 33 minutes.
Summer signing Christian Norgaard pulled one back for Arsenal before the break.
The second half saw more attacking action, with Villarreal extending their lead to 3-1 after Arnaut Danjuma beat Kepa Arrizabalaga on the counter to put the icing on the cake.
Martin Odegaard’s penalty later in the match served only as a consolation.
Following the game, Arteta urged his team to finish their pre-season campaign on a high. He remains optimistic, saying he saw enough in the performance to believe a win is possible on Saturday.
Pressure continues to mount on the club’s big summer signing, Viktor Gyökeres, who has now played 77 minutes without scoring and has registered only one shot on target.
The Swedish striker, signed from Portuguese side Sporting for a guaranteed fee of €63 million plus €10 million in add-ons on a five-year deal, made his debut with a 14-minute cameo against Tottenham. He made his first start last night against Villarreal.
Gyökeres showed flashes of why there’s genuine excitement around his arrival, but Arsenal still seem to be adjusting to playing with him.
Arteta expressed his disappointment, particularly with the defensive display: “I think they had three shots, three goals.”
“In that sense, we’re not happy, but in a lot of things that I saw, very, 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.
“But again, that pain in the belly about losing a game is necessary, and is something positive we can use for Saturday and the start of the season.”
Arteta added: “We’re against a very good opponent again, so another great test. I hope a lot of people come here again and support the team the way that they’ve done today and hopefully we’ll give them a better performance and result.
“We have another one on Saturday to finish our preparation and focus on the week against Man Utd.”
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