(Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media and Imago)

Jack Heath

Wed 6 August 2025 21:23, UK

Arsenal failed to comeback against Spanish side Villareal as they lost 3-2 with their revamped squad coming under the microscope.

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The Gunners fell behind early in the first-half as Arsenal flop Nicolas Pepe came back to haunt the Emirates.

A classic Mikel Arteta set-piece goal from Christian Norgaard got the north London side back in the mix on half-time as they trailed 2-1.

Former Tottenham players were also present for the Spanish outfit in the form of Juan Foyth and Arnaut Danjuma with the latter netting Villareal’s third.

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A consolation Martin Odegaard penalty, won by the dynamic Max Dowman was not enough for the Gunners to grab a result.

Moreover, for the second time this season, Arteta pushed the agenda of penalty practice yet again, although they lost the shoot-out in a grim evening at the Emirates.

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Here are three winners and three losers for the Gunners after the defeat.

Noni Madueke appears to be a waste of a reported £52million (Sky Sports) given the scintillating form of the 15-year-old.

Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness told Football Insider (5 August) that Dowman reminded him of Wayne Rooney when he came through on Merseyside.

Winning the penalty for Odegaard to convert, his driven runs and quick feet are reminiscent of Bukayo Saka, the Gunners have a star in the making.

In just 28 minutes, the England U-18 attempted eight dribbles with three being successful, demonstrating his attacking intent.

Max Dowman v Villareal 6 AugustMinutes played28Penalties won1Touches27Key passes1Dribble attempts (successful)8 (3)The youngster is showing great promise (Source: Sofascore)

After an extended absence from the team through injury, Arsenal fans would have been delighted to see the return of their rock at centre-half.

The Brazilian played just 29 minutes and although did nothing special, his presence was felt as the number six barked orders from the back.

Arteta’s side never look the same without him and his return will bring an assured feeling to the backline.

The South American’s return was a timely one (Credit: Getty Images)

Unfazed by the switch from west to north London, the Dane has settled in nicely at his new club.

Against Villareal, Norgaard notched his first goal, connecting with a Gabriel Martinelli cross at the back post for an easy header.

It will be intriguing to see how many minutes the ex-Brentford bulldog gets in his debut season at the Emirates with his Spanish boss likely to use him to distribute the workload with European football.

Whilst it wasn’t an abysmal performance from Arsenal’s new striker, the Swede couldn’t do one thing: score his first goal.

Viktor Gyokeres v Villareal 6 AugustMinutes played63Shots (on target)2 (1)Touches14Accurate passes4/7 (57%)The ex-Coventry forward did little to impress (Source: Sofascore)

The former Sporting CP forward had just one shot on target and his lack of conviction could still leave the door ajar for Chelsea flop Kai Havertz to steal some minutes.

Gyokeres is no longer playing in Portugal, he’s now in the best league in the world and will have to raise his game for the start of the season.

Gabriel’s return to the squad proved costly for the Pole who didn’t exude confidence to fight to retain his spot in the starting XI.

Towards the back end of last season, the 25-year-old stepped up in the Brazilian’s absence, but now with the number six back, it could force the ex-Spezia defender’s exit.

Former Man United scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 22 July that Kiwior was ready to take the next step in his career, amid interest from Juventus.

Perhaps the number 15 already has one eye on Italy given his mediocre performance today.

Kiwior could be leaving this summer in search of more football (Credit: Imago)

A fairly average showing from the Spaniard, but it may not be good enough to keep out the exciting Martin Zubimendi.

Both of Real Sociedad, the 26-year-old showed promise in the second half with 100% passing accuracy and composure on the ball.

His compatriot, less so, as he played the rest of the game as striker without affecting the game too much.

On top of this, Merino also woefully dragged his penalty far wide of the goal in the practice shootout, I bet he’s glad it was just a bit of fun.

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