On August 6, 2025, Arsenal hosted their fourth preseason friendly at the Emirates Stadium, facing La Liga side Villarreal, known as the “Yellow Submarine.” After 90 minutes of action, the Gunners suffered a 2-3 defeat, marking their second consecutive loss in preseason.
Arsenal’s preseason journey began in Asia. In their opening match in Singapore, they drew 1-1 with Serie A giants AC Milan, then followed up with a 3-2 win over Newcastle United. Next came the North London derby in Hong Kong, where Mikel Arteta’s side fell 0-1 to archrivals Tottenham Hotspur.
New Big-Name Signing Makes Starting Debut
Back in London, Arsenal handed a first start to their marquee summer signing, Viktor Gyökeres, who lined up alongside Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli to form a potent attacking trio.
However, the momentum quickly shifted just 16 minutes into the game. Idrissa Gueye’s long-range effort struck the post, rebounded off goalkeeper David Raya, and fell to the left flank.
Villarreal swiftly regrouped for a second-phase attack, crossing into the box where former Arsenal forward Nicolas Pépé pounced in a crowded area to score against his old club, giving the visitors the lead.
Eventful First Half
In the 33rd minute, Villarreal doubled their advantage. Raya parried Gerard Moreno’s tight-angle shot, but Álex Ayón was on hand at the far post to slot in the rebound for 2-0.
Just three minutes later, Arsenal hit back; Martinelli delivered a corner from the left, and an unmarked Noergaard rose high to head the ball home, reducing the deficit to 1-2. The first half ended with the Gunners still trailing.
Falling Behind Again in the Second Half
After the break, Villarreal struck again in the 68th minute. Kancanilla threaded a precise through ball from the halfway line to Arnaut Danjuma, who beat the offside trap, raced through on goal, and calmly finished to restore a two-goal cushion.
In the 76th minute, Daouda Doman was brought down at the edge of the box, earning Arsenal a penalty. Captain Martin Odegaard took the penalty, successfully converting it to make the score 2-3. Despite their efforts to rally, Arsenal could not find the equalizer.
Penalty Shootout Practice Ends in Another Loss
As planned before the match, the two sides took part in a post-match penalty shootout. In the first round, Moreno and Ødegaard both scored. In the second round, Arsenal goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga saved Denis Suárez’s spot-kick, but Declan Rice successfully converted his attempt.
The third round saw Danjuma score again, with Mikel Merino missing his effort. The fourth round had both Kancanilla and Oleksandr Zinchenko finding the net.
In the fifth round, Vallo’s shot hit the crossbar and bounced out, while Gabriel’s attempt was saved, leaving the shootout tied 3-3 after five rounds. In the sixth round, Cabanes scored, but Noni Madueke’s penalty was superbly stopped by the keeper, giving Villarreal a 4-3 win in the shootout as well.
Final Test Before the Premier League Opener
Arsenal’s last preseason match will be against another La Liga side, Athletic Bilbao, in the Emirates Cup this Saturday.
For the Gunners, who are eager to challenge for the title in the new season, quickly regaining their winning rhythm will be key ahead of their opening Premier League clash with Manchester United next Sunday.
