Arsenal boss, Mikel Arteta, has described their 3–2 loss to Villarreal in Wednesday’s Emirates Cup clash as “painful,” following a disappointing defensive display in front of home fans.
The Gunners took the lead early on through Nicolas Pepe, who struck against his former club.
However, Villarreal hit back quickly, with Karl Etta Eyong netting their equalizer.
Arsenal briefly reignited hope when Christian Norgaard nodded home from Gabriel Martinelli’s corner to reduce the deficit after Arnaut Danjuma had put the visitors back in front.
Martin Odegaard later slotted in a penalty after Max Dowman was brought down in the box, but it wasn’t enough to prevent defeat.
Speaking after the match, Arteta didn’t hide his frustration with the result.
“It’s a painful one,” the Spaniard admitted. “They were extremely efficient, and we were far too naïve, particularly in how we managed open spaces. That’s an area we must master given our style of play.”
He added, “Our defensive organization just wasn’t up to standard today, and it’s cost us the game.”