Arsenal 2-3 Villarreal - Pepe scores on return to Emirates as Gunners go down

Read Nick Manfredi's match report from the Emirates after Arsenal lose 3-2 to Villarreal 

Viktor Gyokeres made his first appearance at Emirates Stadium as Arsenal fell to a 3-2 defeat in their penultimate game of pre-season.  

Despite enjoying the lion’s share of possession, the Gunners conceded three sloppy goals on their return to N5.

Nicolas Pepe notched on his return to the Emirates and opted for a muted celebration against his former employers.

Etta Eyong doubled the Yellow Submarine’s lead before Christian Norgaard headed home from a corner on his home debut moments later. 

Arsenal continued to huff and puff after the break, but midway through the second half the home side got caught out down the left-hand side and ex Spurs man Arnaut Danjuma drilled home on the break.

Arteta responded by making a raft of substitutions as the likes of Viktor Gyokeres came off and one notable introduction was Max Dowman who yet again made an impact as he won a penalty for the second time this pre-season.

Just as he did against Newcastle, Martin Odegaard converted from the spot with distinction.

There was also a debut for Noni Madueke for the last 15 minutes and he took up a position on the left.

Is this where Arteta sees his long-term future?

Time will tell.

There was also time for a penalty shootout with Arsenal losing 4-3 with Madueke missing the decisive kick.

While it was a disappointing result, the hope among more rational observers is that there is no earth-shattering meltdown in the online Goonershpere.

It’s only pre-season after all and match fitness takes far greater priority over results at this time of year.