Overview

• Arsenal conceded three goals in a 3-2 friendly loss at the Emirates on August 6, marking back-to-back pre-season defeats.
• Mikel Arteta criticised his side for being “naive” in open spaces and called for sharper defensive discipline as they prepare to host Athletic Bilbao in their final friendly.
• Viktor Gyokeres made his first start in an Arsenal shirt but managed just 14 touches before being substituted in the 62nd minute as he adapts to the team’s style.
• Christian Norgaard delivered a perfect first-half display by completing all 27 of his passes, making three recoveries and scoring with a header from a corner.
• Fifteen-year-old Max Dowman continued to impress off the bench by winning the penalty converted by Martin Ødegaard, underscoring Arteta’s faith in youth options.