Arsenal suffered a 3-2 defeat to Spain\u2019s Villarreal in a friendly match held at the Emirates Stadium, as part of both teams\u2019 preparations for the new season.<\/p>
Villarreal\u2019s three goals came through Ivorian Nicolas P\u00e9p\u00e9, Cameroonian Karl Toko Ekambi, and Dutchman Arnaut Danjuma in the 16th, 33rd, and 68th minutes, while Arsenal\u2019s goals were scored by Danish midfielder Christian N\u00f8rgaard and Norwegian Martin \u00d8degaard in the 36th and 76th minutes (penalty), respectively.<\/p>
The \u201cGunners\u201d will face another Spanish side later this week when they meet Athletic Bilbao for the \u201cEmirates Cup\u201d next Saturday.<\/p>
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 Ars\u00e8ne Wenger.<\/p>
Arsenal have not lifted any silverware since winning the FA Cup in 2020 during Arteta\u2019s 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.<\/p>
The London side also reached the UEFA Champions League semi-finals last season for the first time since 2009, before being eliminated by France\u2019s Paris Saint-Germain (1-0, 2-1), who later clinched the title in emphatic fashion with a 5-0 victory over Italy\u2019s Inter Milan.<\/p>
Arteta is under additional pressure this season following a significant summer transfer window, during which the club spent nearly \u00a3200 million ($266 million) to sign Swedish striker Viktor Gy\u00f6keres, Spanish midfielder Mart\u00edn Zubimendi, Danish midfielder Christian N\u00f8rgaard, Spanish centre-back Cristhian Mosquera, winger Noni Madueke, and Spanish goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.<\/p>
Arteta said: \u201cWe know our objectives and what we want to achieve this season. There\u2019s strong belief in our ability to make it happen. We\u2019ve come very close in the past few seasons, and the entire team will determine whether we achieve it or not.\u201d He added: \u201cBut 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\u2019s the most important thing. The focus must be on the internal demands before any external ones. That\u2019s what we strive for every day.\u201d<\/p>
Arteta also stated that he wants his players to feel \u201cinvincible\u201d at home thanks to the special bond they share with their fans, adding: \u201cWe want there to be an immediate connection between our supporters and players, to start building momentum, and to feel like we\u2019re unbeatable at home.\u201d<\/p>
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.<\/p>","continue_text":"Continue Reading","main_heading":"Blog"},"yoast_head":"\n