Arsenal suffered their second consecutive pre-season loss as Spanish side Villarreal edged a 3-2 win at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night.

Manager Mikel Arteta will be hoping for a strong response when the Gunners face Athletic Club in their final pre-season fixture on Saturday, following back-to-back defeats: first a 1-0 loss to Tottenham, and now a disappointing result against Villarreal.

Former Arsenal forward Nicolas Pépé opened the scoring against his old club, reacting quickest to a loose ball inside the box just moments after Pape Gueye struck the post from long range.

Etta Eyong doubled Villarreal’s lead in the 33rd minute, volleying in from close range after David Raya failed to hold onto a shot from Gerard Moreno.

Arsenal pulled one back before the break when new signing Christian Nørgaard headed home at the back post from a Gabriel Martinelli corner.

However, Villarreal quickly restored their two-goal cushion early in the second half. A swift counter-attack from an Arsenal set-piece saw Santi Comesaña release Arnaut Danjuma, who raced clear and fired past Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard converted from the penalty spot in the 76th minute after Max Dowman was brought down by Pau Navarro, but the Gunners couldn’t find an equaliser in the closing stages.

The Bigger Picture

The Arsenal side will now turn their focus to their final tune-up match before the 2025/26 Premier League season kicks off.

The Gunner will be aiming to bounce back stronger and challenge for the title under Mikel Arteta.