Arsenal suffered a 3-2 defeat to Borussia Dortmund at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon, despite an improved second-half performance from Mikel Arteta’s side.
The Emirates Cup clash marked the Gunners’ return home during pre-season, with Christos Tzolis making his Emirates debut and Viktor Gyökeres leading the attack.
There were encouraging moments, particularly going forward, but Arsenal gave themselves far too much to do after Dortmund raced into a three-goal lead.
It is also worth remembering that Arsenal are still without seven of their silver and gold World Cup-winning players, so Arteta remains some way from having his full squad available.
Dortmund punish Arsenal before the break
Arsenal actually produced some promising attacking moments during the opening stages, with Kai Havertz and Gyökeres linking up well.
Gyökeres headed a half-chance wide before coming much closer after an excellent ball from Max Dowman, only for his effort to strike the top of the crossbar.
However, Dortmund were clinical when their opportunities arrived.
The visitors opened the scoring after just six minutes before adding their second in the 29th minute, leaving Arsenal 2-0 behind at half-time.
Ethan Nwaneri replaced Martin Odegaard after half an hour and immediately looked lively, while Tzolis was also heavily involved. The winger’s deliveries caused Dortmund problems, with Gabriel heading over from one of his free-kicks before Havertz directed another cross straight at the goalkeeper.
Arsenal began the second half brightly and produced some excellent build-up play, but things got worse before they got better.
Dortmund scored from a corner in the 57th minute to make it 3-0, leaving the Gunners facing a mountain to climb.
Nwaneri and Gyökeres lead the fightback
Arsenal refused to fold.
Nwaneri, who was involved throughout after coming on, pulled one back in the 54th minute following an excellent pass into the box from Tzolis.
Gyökeres then gave the Emirates crowd further hope after Tzolis won a penalty. The striker converted from the spot in the 68th minute to make it 3-2.
Suddenly Arsenal were back in the contest and the Emirates was growing louder.
Dowman also tested the goalkeeper as the Gunners pushed for an equaliser, and there was plenty more attacking intent than we had seen during the opening stages.
Gabriel Martinelli thought he had grabbed a late equaliser, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.
That proved to be Arsenal’s final big opportunity as Dortmund held on for the 3-2 victory.
The result will naturally raise a few questions, particularly after Arsenal conceded three times at home, but there were positives in the response.
Nwaneri made his presence felt after replacing Odegaard, Tzolis was involved in much of Arsenal’s best attacking work, while Gyökeres continued getting into dangerous positions before eventually getting his goal from the penalty spot.
It is still pre-season and Arsenal remain without several important players, but Arteta will certainly want to see improvements as the preparations continue.
Who impressed you most against Dortmund? Were you encouraged by Arsenal’s second-half response, or are there areas that concern you ahead of Wednesday’s game against Como and next weekend’s clash with Manchester City?
Let us know in the comments below.
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The defence was half asleep and the strikers were not aggressive enough to take the 50-50 chances. Unlike Dortmund they were alert probably because they were facing the English champ.
It was 1-2 for Dortmund after Nwaneri’s goal before Dortmund restored it to 1-3. Not 0-3 as you mentioned. Final score was correct 2-3 for Dortmund
Somebody didn’t watch the match. Dortmund NEVER had a three-goal lead. The scoring was 0-1, 0-2, 1-2, 1-3, 2-3.
Excellent Jax. I saw the game. It was as you put it. “a mountain to climb”?
I saw bits of it on a small screen so not ideal. Too many mainstream players haven’t returned from their summer break and two defensive players sidelined as unfit as well.
I’m going to the Como game so I sincerely hope the result is better than yesterday
I managed to get a ticket so it was my first time at the home of football since we beat Bilbao in last years Emirates Cup, gone are my season ticket days unfortunately! 😀 Dortmund stunned us after 30 minutes and it seemed to knock the players until Arteta made some tweaks at halftime, Nwaneri took his goal well and wrapped it up from the spot in the shoot out, strange to see us win a penalty shoot out after losing 3-2, how does that work out? 😀
Congratulations to Dortmund for winning the prestigious Emirates Cup. Sadly, No open top bus 🚌 parade for Arsenal 🤣
On what criteria teams are selected to compete in the Emirates Cup?
We need to honour and own the competition because Arsenal’s main sponsor for the stadium and the shirt spends millions to organize this event. Credit where credit’s due!
It$ a££ a my$tery.