Arsenal suffers 3-2 defeat to Villarreal in friendly clash days ahead of Premier League season kickoff; check full match report here

Arsenal suffered a 3-2 defeat against Villarreal in a friendly game on Wednesday (August 6, 2025) at the Emirates Stadium in 2025–26. The gunners suffered a second loss in a row. Last week, the team faced a defeat against Tottenham Hotspur and ended the Asian tour on a poor note.

The two back-to-back losses for Arsenal came after victories over AC Milan and Newcastle United in Singapore to begin their summer schedule. Nicolas Pépé, who joined Villarreal in the 2024 summer season, just took 17 minutes following his return to north London to open the scoring for his team, turning the ball in from close range after the visitors recycled possession from Pape Gueye, who struck the post.

Before Villarreal, Pépé played for Arsenal, and he was the second most expensive signing in the club’s history. Following the first goal in the match, he did not celebrate much.


Despite creating several opportunities to equalize, Mikel Arteta’s team conceded another goal from Villarreal, making the scoreline read 2-0. It was another close-range rebound from Etta Eyong, in the right place at the right time in the 33rd minute, to convert after Raya initially saved from Gerard Moreno.

After being 2-0 down in the first half, Arsenal came from behind and pulled a goal back in the 36th minute. Christian Nørgaard scored his first goal for the club since his arrival from Brentford.

After a rough start to the second half, Villarreal regained their two-goal lead. Arnaut Danjuma, who was once on loan at Tottenham, made it happen. He launched a quick counterattack and calmly placed a shot across Raya into the bottom corner, even as Mosquera rushed to block him.

Just like before, Arsenal fought back after going down by two goals. Young star Max Dowman drew a penalty, and substitute Martin Ødegaard scored from the spot with 16 minutes remaining. But the Gunners couldn't find a third goal.

Arsenal is set to be in action again on Saturday (August 9, 2025), and with the Premier League season starting just eight days later, the days of making lots of halftime substitutions are over. Instead, Arteta made only two changes at halftime, giving Martín Zubimendi and Cristhian Mosquera valuable minutes and unofficial home debuts, replacing Nørgaard and Ben White, respectively.