Arsenal suffered their second consecutive pre-season defeat after Borussia Dortmund beat Mikel Arteta’s side 3-2 at the Emirates Stadium to claim the Emirates Cup.
The result leaves Arteta with more defensive concerns to address just a week before Arsenal face Manchester City in the Community Shield in Cardiff.
Arsenal punished by defensive mistakes
Dortmund took control of the contest before half-time, with Samuele Inacio opening the scoring before 18-year-old Konstantinos Karetsas doubled the German side’s advantage.
Arsenal created opportunities of their own but struggled to make them count. Viktor Gyokeres came closest during the opening period when his effort struck the crossbar.
The Gunners improved after the interval and eventually reduced the deficit through Ethan Nwaneri, who finished after good work from new signing Christos Tzolis.
However, Arsenal’s defensive problems resurfaced when a poorly defended corner allowed Joane Gadou to restore Dortmund’s two-goal advantage.
The goal came just days after Arteta criticised his side’s defending following their defeat by Real Betis, describing their performance at the back as “below the standard”.
Gyokeres scores but Arsenal fall short
Tzolis continued to impress and won a penalty after being brought down inside the area.
Gyokeres stepped up and converted from the spot to make it 3-2, giving Arsenal hope of completing a comeback.
The Gunners pushed for an equaliser during the closing stages but could not find a way through, allowing Dortmund to hold on and lift the Emirates Cup.
The defeat means Arsenal have now lost consecutive pre-season matches after also going down to Real Betis.
There were, however, positive signs from Tzolis, while Gyokeres showed some promise despite missing chances before eventually finding the net from the penalty spot.
New signing Bruno Guimaraes was introduced to supporters on the Emirates pitch before kick-off following his £75m move from Newcastle United.
With the Community Shield against Manchester City now only seven days away, Arteta will know that Arsenal must improve defensively and quickly if they are to begin the new campaign on a positive note.