Arsenal vs Villarreal LIVE
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal fell to a 3-2 defeat on return to the Emirates on Wednesday - their second successive loss after they beaten by Tottenham last time out in Hong Kong. Villarreal, who came into the match winless through four summer friendlies, scored all three of their goals against the run of play. The Gunners were quick out of the gates, and applied sustained pressure throughout the affair, but struggled to hit the target in the first half.
Who else but Nicolas Pepe to open the scoring, then, as the former Arsenal man tapped a loose ball home after the Gunners failed to clear it away. The hosts’ deficit was soon doubled in similar fashion, as a David Raya save was deflected awkwardly into the path of Edouard Eyong, who headed home. Christian Norgaard emulated his feat shortly after, scoring his first Arsenal goal to keep the scoreline respectable at the break.
But the second half saw much of the same - Arsenal dictated play, but could not sink the Yellow Submarine. Arnaut Danjuma scored on the break with one of the visitors’ few second-half chances to secure Villarreal’s win, despite Martin Odegaard’s late penalty. Catch up on the action as it happened below!
Arsenal vs Villarreal latest news
GOAL! Odegaard from the spot GOAL! Danjuma extends visitors' lead GOAL! Norgaard pulls one back GOAL! Eyong makes it two GOAL! Pepe opens scoring KICK OFF How to watch: Arsenal app and websiteLive updates
Simon Collings player ratings
Miss today’s match? Simon Collings was on location at the Emirates to rate the Arsenal players’ performances.
See what he made of Gyokeres' full debut, Madueke’s cameo, and Gabriel’s injury return.
Arsenal FC via Getty ImagesSHOOTOUT: Arsenal 3-4 Villarreal
Madueke’s pen is saved to hand Villarreal victory in the shootout.
SHOOTOUT: Arsenal 3-4 Villarreal
Cabanes hits a sweet pen into the top right corner.
SHOOTOUT: Arsenal 3-3 Villarreal
That is absolutely stunning. Gabriel’s pen is tipped onto the bar, and his shot comes down to rest on the goalline. Remarkable.
SHOOTOUT: Arsenal 3-3 Villarreal
Valou rattles the underside of the bar, and Arsenal have an opportunity...
SHOOTOUT: Arsenal 3-3 Villarreal
Zinchenko sends the keeper the wrong way.
SHOOTOUT: Arsenal 2-3 Villarreal
Comesana puts Villarreal back in front.
SHOOTOUT: Arsenal 2-2 Villarreal
A howler as Merino scuffs his spot-kick wide.
SHOOTOUT: Arsenal 2-2 Villarreal
Danjuma, loudly booed for his Spurs affiliation as he walks up, scores again.
SHOOTOUT: Arsenal 2-1 Villarreal
Rice scores with aplomb.
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