Arsenal’s Homecoming Marred by Villarreal’s Victory
Arsenal’s return to the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night was a mixed bag as they fell 3-2 to Villarreal, a team that included several former Gunners players. The match highlighted both the struggles and moments of promise for the North London club.
Nicolas Pepe and Denis Suarez, who had only made six appearances during a 2019 loan spell at Arsenal, played key roles in Villarreal’s victory. Pepe opened the scoring in the 16th minute, and Karl Etta Eyong extended the lead shortly after half-time. Christian Norgaard, a recent signing, managed to reduce the deficit before the break, but it wasn’t enough to change the outcome of the game.
Denis Suarez then set up Arnaut Danjuma, a former Tottenham forward, for the third goal, restoring Villarreal’s two-goal advantage. Mikel Arteta made several substitutions, and the changes were rewarded with another goal from the Gunners, but it was not enough to turn the tide.
The match took an even more frustrating turn during the penalty shootout, where Villarreal emerged victorious once again. Mikel Merino, Gabriel, and Noni Madueke all missed their chances, adding to the disappointment of the Arsenal fans.
Gyokeres Struggles to Find His Form
Thousands of Arsenal supporters turned up wearing Viktor Gyokeres’ No. 14 shirt, eager to see the Swedish striker make an impact after the club’s £64 million investment. However, Gyokeres struggled to find his rhythm on the pitch, often going without service and being left to work off scraps.
Despite showing glimpses of his hold-up play and defensive contributions, Gyokeres was not consistently involved in the build-up. His shot in the 60th minute was saved, and he will likely rely on players like Martin Odegaard to find him more effectively in future matches.
Max Dowman Shines as a Young Star
One bright spot came in the form of 15-year-old Max Dowman, who made his debut for the first team. The young attacking midfielder dazzled with his dribbling skills and fearlessness, earning cheers from the crowd. He created a penalty and showed great composure on the ball, signaling a promising future for the Arsenal academy.
Defensive Issues Continue
Arsenal’s defense was under pressure throughout the match, particularly in the first half when David Raya made good saves but failed to prevent goals from being scored. The backline missed Gabriel, who is still recovering from a hamstring injury. While Cristhian Mosquera performed well in his substitute role, the absence of Gabriel and Saliba was evident in the team’s lack of coordination.
Saka’s Dominance Leaves the Left Side Vulnerable
Bukayo Saka’s dominance on the right wing continues to create an imbalance in Arsenal’s attack. While his talent is undeniable, the left side lacks the same level of quality, leaving space that opponents can exploit. Gabriel Martinelli, though energetic, has struggled to make meaningful contributions with his final ball.
Pepe’s Return Haunts Arsenal
Nicolas Pepe, whose time at Arsenal was marked by inconsistency, returned to haunt his former club. He scored the opening goal for Villarreal, showing flashes of the talent that initially attracted Arsenal’s interest. Despite his performance, Pepe did not celebrate his goal, highlighting the bittersweet nature of his return.
Overall, the match exposed several issues within the Arsenal squad, from defensive vulnerabilities to attacking inefficiencies. With the new season approaching, Mikel Arteta will need to address these challenges to ensure the team can compete at the highest level.