Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta criticised his side’s “naive” defending after a 3–2 defeat to Villarreal at the Emirates on 6 August, describing the result as a “painful” setback in their pre-season preparations.
Following early wins against AC Milan and Newcastle United, Arsenal’s pre-season momentum has stalled, with the defeat to the Spanish side marking a second successive loss after falling to Tottenham Hotspur.
The Gunners conceded twice within the opening 33 minutes, and Arteta admitted his team’s defensive performance left a lot to be desired.
“Today I think the result is painful,” Arteta told reporters post-match. “They were super efficient but we’ve been naive, especially in the way we defended in open spaces. That’s something we absolutely have to nail, especially given the way we play. We weren’t good at all in that department and it has cost us the game.”
Despite the result, Arteta found positives in the performance of summer signing Viktor Gyökeres, who made his first start after joining from Sporting CP for €63.5 million last month.
“It was very important for him to start and begin to build a connection with the team,” said Arteta. “He’s only been with us a week or so, but I saw a lot of purpose in how he attacked certain spaces. There’s a lot to be encouraged by.”
Arteta also reserved praise for 15-year-old Max Dowman, who won a penalty during the match and continues to catch the eye during pre-season.
“He continues to impress, without a doubt,” Arteta said. “The impact he had again today, the efficiency he shows in every attack and action—it’s incredible.”