Goals Galore: Arsenal's Emirates return ruined as Villarreal

Arsenal return to the Emirates Stadium with a disappointing defeat on Wednesday night, losing 3-2 to Villarreal in an action-packed pre-season encounter.

Arsenal returned to the Emirates Stadium with a disappointing defeat on Wednesday night as they fell to a 3-2 loss to Villarreal in an action-packed pre-season encounter.

Despite Arsenal starting the stronger of the two teams, the Emirates Stadium was sent into a stunned silence as Villarreal took a 2-0 lead – first through former Gunner Nicolas Pepe before Etta Eyong doubled the lead – but new signing Christian Norgaard headed home just minutes later to leave the home side trailing by only one at the break.

It was deja vu for Arsenal at the beginning of the second half, as they were superior from kick off but fell further behind as Villarreal struck first, with Arnaut Danjuma smashing home with 20 minutes to go, and though the Gunners pulled one back through Martin Odegaard’s penalty, the Yellow Submarine held on for the win.

SPORTS MOLE’S VERDICT

Mikel Arteta will certainly be concerned by aspects of Arsenal’s performance today, particularly their defensive showing throughout the match.

Villarreal were able to slice their way through the Gunners midfield and defence far too easily, while the reaction times from defenders was simply not good enough for both of the Spanish side’s first half strikes.

The Arsenal boss will, however, be pleased to know that his side retain their excellent ability to score from set-pieces, with new signing Norgaard demonstrating his ability to also get amongst the goals with a precise headed finish from Gabriel Martinelli’s initial, perfectly-delivered corner.

Max Dowman also continued his marvellous pre-season campaign for the Gunners, coming from the bench to win the penalty for Arsenal’s second and just proving to be a constant problem for Villarreal in the final 30 minutes of the encounter.

ARSENAL VS. VILLARREAL HIGHLIGHTS

16th min: Arsenal 0-1 Villarreal (Nicolas Pepe)

Villarreal take the lead, and who else but Pepe scoring against his former club!

A long range shot from Pape Gueye is tipped onto the post by David Raya, but Villarreal are able to keep the move alive and get a cross into the box from the left wing.

Arsenal deal poorly with the ball into their penalty area, and Pepe is able to take advantage and poke into the net from close range.

33rd min: Arsenal 0-2 Villarreal (Etta Eyong)

It goes from bad to worse for Arsenal – Villarreal double their lead!

Villarreal once again find space down the left for a cut-back, and Gerard Moreno’s resulting strike is parried away by Raya.

The goalkeeper’s parry loops high toward the back post, and Eyong is fastest to reach, volleying into the gaping goal.

36th min: Arsenal 1-2 Villarreal (Christian Norgaard)

Arsenal are right back in this one, Norgaard with the goal!

Gabriel Martinelli’s cross is directed deep toward the back post, where several Arsenal players have all come together.

Norgaard finds himself unmarked with the ball arriving, and his header is low, hard and into the bottom right corner.

68th min: Arsenal 1-3 Villarreal (Arnaut Danjuma)

Danjuma scores Villarreal’s third – far too easily to carve through Arsenal once again!

Santi Comesana picks the ball up just outside his own penalty area, skips past one player, drives forward and unleashes a beautiful pass into the path of Danjuma, who is through on goal despite starting inside the Villarreal half.

Danjuma sprints into the box and strikes a low, hard effort into the bottom left corner – restoring Villarreal’s two-goal cushion.

76th min: Arsenal 2-3 Villarreal (Martin Odegaard)

Odegaard converts from the penalty spot – brilliant from Dowman to draw the initial foul.

Dowman waits for the ball to come to him to draw out the Villarreal defender and quickly chops to his right, winning a penalty as he is brought down inside the area.

Odegaard makes no mistake from the penalty, side-footing into the bottom right corner to give Arsenal hope of a comeback.

MAN OF THE MATCH – NICOLAS PEPE

Pepe clearly had a point to prove on his return to the Emirates Stadium to face his former side, as the winger proved a constant threat down the right side.

The Ivorian played a part in the early stages of his goal as he set up the initial strike from Gueye that was tipped onto the post, while his swift reactions from the resulting cross meant he got on the scoresheet.

In truth, there were very few standout performances despite the number of goals and highlights, with both teams certainly still needing to get up to pace ahead of the start of the 2025-26 season.

ARSENAL VS. VILLARREAL MATCH STATS

Possession: Arsenal 57%-43% Villarreal

Shots: Arsenal 17-8 Villarreal

Shots on target: Arsenal 7-7 Villarreal

Corners: Arsenal 6-2 Villarreal

Fouls: Arsenal 16-15 Villarreal

WHAT NEXT?

Next up for Arsenal is Athletic Bilbao in their final pre-season match ahead of their trip to Old Trafford on August 17 for the opening match of the Premier League season against Manchester United.

As for Villarreal, the Spanish side will continue their run of facing Premier League opposition when they take on Aston Villa in their last friendly fixture on August 10.

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