Viktor Gyökeres’ maiden outing in an Arsenal shirt ended in disappointment as the Gunners suffered a 3-2 preseason loss to Villarreal at the Emirates Stadium. Despite the result, manager MikelArteta found positives in the Swedish striker’s performance, calling the display “naive” but valuable in building momentum ahead of the new season.
The highly anticipated debut of Gyökeres followed his big-money transfer from Sporting CP in a deal worth €63 million ($74 million), with an additional €10 million ($11.7 million) in performance-based add-ons. Starting up front, the striker showed glimpses of his potential in a match that marked Arsenal’s first preseason fixture at home.
Gyökeres played 62 minutes before being substituted. Although he didn’t get on the scoresheet, Arteta praised the early signs of promise shown by the 26-year-old.
“We already broke that line today because I think it was very important for him to start a match and start to have the feeling and the connection with the team,” Arteta said in a post-match press conference. “He’s been with us only a week or so, but I really saw a lot of things and a lot of purpose, especially the way he was attacking certain spaces.
“I think he hasn’t trained really with the team for two months, so he’s done now six or five sessions I think before today, so I think on Saturday again he will take another step and he will be in a better condition.”
While all eyes were on Gyökeres, it was another new arrival who gave Arsenal fans something to cheer about. Former Brentford midfielder Christian Nørgaard netted his first goal in Arsenal colors, heading home at the back post from a corner in the 36th minute.
However, Villarreal had already established a strong lead by that point. Former Arsenal forward Nicolas Pépé opened the scoring in the 16th minute with a composed finish inside the box. Out of respect for his former club, Pépé opted not to celebrate. Etta Eyong doubled the visitors’ advantage shortly after the half-hour mark, leaving Arsenal trailing 2-0 before Nørgaard’s reply.
Arteta made significant changes at half-time, introducing new signings CristhianMosquera and Martín Zubimendi in hopes of shifting the tempo. More substitutions followed just past the hour mark, including the withdrawal of Gyökeres, who made way for club captain Martin Ødegaard.
Although the Gunners pushed for an equaliser and eventually added another goal, Villarreal held on for a narrow 3-2 victory, showcasing clinical finishing and sharp attacking play.
Arteta acknowledged the team’s shortcomings but remained upbeat about the direction of the squad. “We have big belief ahead of the new season,” he said. With more preseason fixtures ahead and new signings still integrating into the setup, Arsenal fans will be hoping their revamped lineup hits its stride before the Premier League campaign kicks off.