Arsenal suffered a 3-1 defeat against Real Betis in Dublin during their second pre-season match following a string of first-half errors. A series of changes in the second period slowed the tempo of the match at the Aviva Stadium, where Isaan Khan of Daily Mail Sport reported on the game.
The Gunners will complete their pre-season schedule with fixtures against Borussia Dortmund and Como before competing in the Community Shield. Their Premier League title defence will then begin with a home match against Coventry.
The summer signing of French goalkeeper Illan Meslier as third choice came as a surprise given Kepa Arrizabalaga was established as the squad's number two. However, the reasoning behind Meslier's arrival appeared obvious following Arrizabalaga's display against the LaLiga side.
Real Betis took the lead after nine minutes when Arrizabalaga charged out and flapped aimlessly at a corner kick from Pablo Garcia, missing the ball entirely. Rodrigo Riquelme controlled the delivery on his chest at the back post and struck it home.
Arrizabalaga's poor clearance later allowed Nelson Deossa to score a stunning long-range goal for Betis' second. Pablo Fornals added a third from outside the penalty area just before half-time, coming after Piero Hincapie had scored a header for Arsenal.
Arrizabalaga previously made a costly mistake during the Carabao Cup final loss to Manchester City in March. Manager Mikel Arteta has demonstrated ruthlessness with goalkeepers before, as shown when David Raya replaced Aaron Ramsdale before Ramsdale was eventually sold. Selling Arrizabalaga would make sense if a plausible offer arrives, while 20-year-old Tommy Setford could act as third-choice keeper as he did last season.
Defensive Frailties and Transfer Needs
Arsenal displayed clear defensive problems in Dublin, with players indecisive about whether to press or stand off. The backline dropped off for two of the Betis goals, granting Deossa and Fornals space to shoot from distance.
Defensive cohesion improved following the introduction of Gabriel in the second half, but Arsenal appeared noticeably weaker without William Saliba. Left back Piero Hincapie struggled with his positioning in an unfamiliar role, illustrating why Arsenal want to sign a centre back this summer to support their push for trophies.
Ethan Nwaneri Pre-Season Performance
Nineteen-year-old midfielder Ethan Nwaneri offered a bright spark for Arsenal, producing an energetic display featuring tight dribbling skill at pace, early tackles, and key through balls. He repeatedly drove forward to put the Betis defensive line on alert.
Nwaneri was loaned to Marseille in January this year under Roberto de Zerbi, who valued the teenager. However, De Zerbi was sacked the following month and successor Habib Beye dropped Nwaneri to the bench. Nwaneri is now taking his opportunities in pre-season, presenting Arteta with a roster conundrum.
Striker Competition for Starting Role
The battle for Arsenal's starting central striker position remains competitive between Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres. The pair barely played together last season due to knee issues suffered by Havertz.
Arteta preferred Havertz as his primary striker last season with Gyokeres complementing him before injury forced changes. On two minutes, Havertz broke into the area and squared to Gyokeres, who dithered before seeing his shot saved by Alvaro Valles. Gyokeres failed to make an impact, but Havertz completed consecutive starts as he builds fitness.
