Arsenal weren’t able to give fans a positive result on their return to the Emirates in pre-season.
The Gunners lost 3-2 to Villarreal in their penultimate game of pre-season, returning to N5 for the first time since the 2024/25 campaign concluded.
Mikel Arteta will not like what he saw from his defence at times; however, there were also positives for the Arsenal manager to take from the contest.
Several of Arsenal’s new signings said hello to the Emirates for the first time, while others showed their hunger ahead of the Premier League kick-off.
In a frustrating match for the Gunners, here’s how the players rated.
- READ MORE: Arsenal fans are all saying the same thing about Nicolas Pepe after his goal on Emirates return
Arsenal player ratings vs Villarreal
David Raya – 4
Another poor pre-season showing from Raya; he was poor for both goals. Kepa’s competition has arrived at the right time to avoid complacency.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 5
Lewis-Skelly didn’t look comfortable when defending on the left. Pepe spotted the danger he could cause on that side, leaving the teenager scrambling several times.
Jakub Kiwior – 4
Poor from Kiwior for Pepe’s goal, failed to snuff out the danger. Concerning summer-like form, with just 11 days to go until the season begins.
William Saliba – 7
Saliba was very strong and brought some much-needed composure to a rather frantic Arsenal back line, reliable pace and power.
Ben White – 8
After a difficult 2024/25 season, White looks hungry in pre-season. The Englishman combined well with Saka on the right, a sight we’ve missed seeing.
Christian Norgaard – 8.5
Norgaard was extremely proactive in midfield, cutting off Villarreal’s threat as soon as possible. The Dane was everywhere, tidy in his passing and thoroughly deserved his goal. What a signing for £10m.
Mikel Merino – 6
An underwhelming performance from Merino, who gave us many exciting moments last season. The Spaniard almost looks as though he needs a period of adaptation to reacclimatise himself in midfield.
Ethan Nwaneri – 9
Arteta simply can’t play Nwaneri in any position but attacking midfield now. The 18-year-old ran the show in the middle and was unplayable on the turn. A top performance to add to his impressive pre-season collection.
Gabriel Martinelli – 5.5
Martinelli had chances to make an impact but failed to deliver, which has become an unwanted theme for the Brazilian.
The winger claimed an assist with a good corner, but his wing play desperately needs to improve, constantly running with his head down.
Bukayo Saka – 6
Saka started very sharply, but could’ve released the ball earlier to play in Gyokeres.
Viktor Gyokeres – 6.5
It’s clear that this Arsenal squad is going to need to change the way they play to fit Gyokeres, who was making very good runs without being played in. There will be an adaptation period for both the striker and his teammates before he gets firing.
Substitutes
Cristhian Mosquera – 7
Mosquera was tested at right-back and showcased his versatility before moving into his favoured central role, a top talent.
Martin Zubimendi – 7.5
A ball-winning monster, the midfielder reads the game incredibly well, a huge addition.
Martin Odegaard – 6.5
Scored from the spot for the second time in pre-season, a good confidence booster.
Jurrien Timber – 6
Timber linked well with Dowman on the right side, enjoyed getting upfield.
Max Dowman – 8.5
Every time Dowman touched the ball, the Emirates let out a roar. Incredibly exciting and a maestro when dribbling, winning another penalty for his team.
Gabriel Magalhaes – 6
Great to see Gabriel back in action after a steady return from injury.
Declan Rice – 6
Rice will enjoy playing with Zubimendi, who gives him a sturdy license to roam upfield.
Noni Madueke – 6.5
A huge cheer for Madueke when he first touched the ball, replacing Martinelli on the left, which was rather telling. The Englishman tested his man in the wide areas, was eager to make a difference.
Oleksandr Zinchenko – 6
Zinchenko wasn’t called into action defensively, but going forward aimed to make a difference where possible.
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