Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has called on his lads to bounce back from their 3-2 defeat to Villarreal by ending pre-season on a high against Athletic Club this Saturday.
Softfootball reported the Gunners’ shocking 3-2 defeat to Villarreal, where former player Nicholas Pepe was on target against his former side.
Nicolas Pepe scores his team’s first goal during the pre-season friendly match between Arsenal and Villarreal (Photo Credit: Getty)
Although new signing Christian Nørgaard recorded his debut goal for the London side, it wasn’t enough, as the likes of Viktor Gyökeres fired blanks. The Gunners’ defeat was undone by clinical counter-attacks from the La Liga side in front of a home crowd at Emirates Stadium.
Speaking about the defeat, Arteta told Arsenal media, He said,
“We’re disappointed with the result.
“I think we were a bit naive, especially the way we defended open spaces and the counter-press in a few moments. I think they had three shots, three goals.”
The Gunners gaffer, however, struck a balanced tone while acknowledging areas for improvement, particularly in the final third. Arteta highlighted several encouraging aspects of the performance.
He buttressed:
“In that sense, we’re not happy, but in a lot of things that I saw, very, very happy.
“Our efficiency in the final third has to improve, that’s for sure. But a lot of the things we do in all departments, I think we are in a good place.”
The Spaniard also underlined the value of adversity during pre-season, suggesting the sting of defeat could be a useful motivator heading into the new campaign.
He said:
“That pain in the belly about losing a game is necessary, and is something positive we can use for Saturday and the start of the season.”
Arsenal’s evening wasn’t without its positives. Jurrien Timber and Gabriel both made returns from long-term injuries, while seven players experienced the Emirates atmosphere in Arsenal colours for the first time.
Here is the excerpt of the interview as released on Arsenal’s X handle:
💬 “Their first experience here at Emirates Stadium, to get the reception that they all got, thank you so much to our supporters.”
Mikel on a warm welcome for our six summer signings ❤️ — Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 6, 2025
Looking ahead to Saturday’s meeting with Athletic Club, Arteta is hopeful of delivering a stronger performance in what will be the Gunners’ final warm-up before facing Manchester United in their Premier League opener.
