Source: Alamy Stock Photo

Arsenal Fall to Villarreal in Friendly

Arsenal suffered a 3-2 defeat to Spain’s Villarreal in a friendly match held at the Emirates Stadium, as part of both teams’ preparations for the new season.

Villarreal’s three goals came through Ivorian Nicolas Pépé, Cameroonian Karl Toko Ekambi, and Dutchman Arnaut Danjuma in the 16th, 33rd, and 68th minutes, while Arsenal’s goals were scored by Danish midfielder Christian Nørgaard and Norwegian Martin Ødegaard in the 36th and 76th minutes (penalty), respectively.

The “Gunners” will face another Spanish side later this week when they meet Athletic Bilbao for the “Emirates Cup” next Saturday.

Spanish manager Mikel Arteta had pointed out that his team is confident in its ability to end its trophy drought, particularly the Premier League title, which they last won in 2004 under their legendary French coach Arsène Wenger.

Arsenal have not lifted any silverware since winning the FA Cup in 2020 during Arteta’s first season in charge. The team has challenged for the Premier League title in each of the past three seasons but ultimately finished as runners-up.

The London side also reached the UEFA Champions League semi-finals last season for the first time since 2009, before being eliminated by France’s Paris Saint-Germain (1-0, 2-1), who later clinched the title in emphatic fashion with a 5-0 victory over Italy’s Inter Milan.

Arteta is under additional pressure this season following a significant summer transfer window, during which the club spent nearly £200 million ($266 million) to sign Swedish striker Viktor Gyökeres, Spanish midfielder Martín Zubimendi, Danish midfielder Christian Nørgaard, Spanish centre-back Cristhian Mosquera, winger Noni Madueke, and Spanish goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Arteta said: “We know our objectives and what we want to achieve this season. There’s strong belief in our ability to make it happen. We’ve come very close in the past few seasons, and the entire team will determine whether we achieve it or not.” He added: “But at the same time, we must not lose sight of what we need to do every day to reach the levels we aim for. We have to define the requirements that align with this goal, because that’s the most important thing. The focus must be on the internal demands before any external ones. That’s what we strive for every day.”

Arteta also stated that he wants his players to feel “invincible” at home thanks to the special bond they share with their fans, adding: “We want there to be an immediate connection between our supporters and players, to start building momentum, and to feel like we’re unbeatable at home.”

Arsenal will kick off their new Premier League campaign with a tough away clash against old rivals Manchester United on the opening weekend, August 17.

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