Arteta reflects on performance
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed frustration following his team’s 3-1 pre-season defeat to Real Betis in Dublin. The Gunners conceded three goals in the first half, a performance Arteta described as uncharacteristically sloppy defensively. Despite controlling possession for much of the match, Real Betis created more scoring opportunities, registering more shots on target than Arsenal.
Arteta noted that his players were “fuming” after the first-half display, but he views this as a positive sign, indicating a desire for improvement. He acknowledged the need for context, given that 25 players were used during the match, and highlighted that the team had some strong moments despite the overall result.
The manager pointed out that while the team played well at times, their competitive edge, particularly in and around their own box, was not up to the required standard against a strong opponent. He hopes that this pre-season loss will ignite a greater drive within the squad.
Match incidents and player availability
Real Betis, managed by former Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini, opened the scoring in the ninth minute. Rodrigo Riquelme capitalised on a corner that Kepa Arrizabalaga misjudged, slamming the ball in at the back post. This was followed by Nelson Deossa scoring from approximately 25 yards out in the 26th minute after a clearance from Kepa. Piero Hincapie briefly reduced the deficit for Arsenal in the 32nd minute, heading in a corner from Christos Tzolis.
However, Pablo Fornals restored Real Betis’ two-goal advantage in the 43rd minute, slotting the ball past Kepa after a misplaced pass from Kai Havertz. Arsenal’s starting lineup included four international defenders, along with Ethan Nwaneri, Havertz, Tzolis, and Max Dowman in midfield, with Viktor Gyokeres leading the attack.
Several key players were unavailable for Arsenal, including Declan Rice, Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke, and Bukayo Saka, who had not yet rejoined the squad after their World Cup campaign with England. Spain’s World Cup winners Mikel Merino, David Raya, and Martin Zubimendi were also absent. Captain Martin Odegaard has resumed individual training following his participation in the tournament with Norway.
Arteta made seven changes at half-time, introducing Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Magalhaes, who were making their first pre-season appearances after representing Brazil at the World Cup. Among the other changes were 16-year-old defender Marli Salmon and 19-year-old midfielder Louie Copley. Copley, however, was withdrawn just seven minutes after entering the game due to a knee injury sustained after an awkward landing while chasing the ball. Arteta expressed concern about Copley’s injury, noting that the mechanism and symptoms were not positive, and a scan would be needed.
Statistical overview and upcoming season ambitions
Match statistics showed that while Arsenal had 91.7% pass accuracy compared to Real Betis’ 88.1%, Real Betis had more shots on target, with seven compared to Arsenal’s two. Real Betis also committed 14 fouls to Arsenal’s 13. The referee for the match was Robert Hennessy.
Despite the defeat, Arteta remains optimistic about the upcoming season, stating that the team aims to compete for every possible title. He emphasised the ambition to create a “dynasty” at the club and mentioned that the transfer market remains open for recruitment. Real Betis will be competing in the Champions League this season for the first time in 20 years, having finished fifth in their domestic league.
The match was held at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
Source: bbc.com
Freya Donnelly is the Sports Reporter at News-UK, covering tennis, cricket and athletics with seven years of reporting experience. She reported on Team GB through an Olympic cycle. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from the University of Brighton and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Brighton, she plays club cricket in the summer. “Listening is the most underrated skill in sports reporting.”
