Strengthened by Gyokeres, Arsenal Defeated in Friendly Against Villarreal at Emirates Stadium

New Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres (red) during a friendly against Villarreal. (arsenal.com)

JAKARTA - New striker Viktor Gyokeres failed to lead Arsenal to victory in their friendly match. Against Villarreal at home at the Emirates Stadium, early Thursday, August 7, 2025, WIB, Arsenal lost 3-2.

Gyokeres played for 63 minutes in his debut in front of his home fans. Previously, in the North London Derby against Tottenham Hotspur, Gyokeres only played briefly, replacing Kai Havertz in the 77th minute.

Despite starting as a center forward, supported by Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka, he failed to show his sharpness.

When he was substituted for Martin Odegaard, Arsenal finally managed to add a goal to reduce the deficit. Odegaard helped the Gunners beat Villarreal from the penalty spot in the 76th minute.

In the penalty shootout, Arsenal again failed to win. Odegaard, the first taker, again successfully converted.

Through the first five penalty kicks, both Arsenal and Villarreal had completed three, leveling the score at 3-3. When it came to sudden death, Pau Cabanes succeeded, but Arsenal failed.

Gyokeres himself failed to live up to expectations. The player who inherited the number 14 jersey from legendary striker Henry even had a few chances to break through Villarreal's goal.

Gyokeres, who scored 93 goals in 107 appearances for Sporting Lisbon, had his best chance before being substituted. Only the Swedish international striker's powerful shot was saved by the Villarreal goalkeeper.

However, manager Mikel Arteta showed no disappointment with Gyokeres' performance. He said the £64 million striker still needs to adapt and adjust to his teammates.

"It was important for him to start this match. He needs to build a bond with the team, especially since he's only been with us for a week. But I have high hopes for him, especially when he creates space to attack," Arteta said, as quoted by Mail Online.

"Overall, many players haven't had many minutes. But we're in better shape for next Saturday's match," he said.

Gyokeres' Fitness

Arteta also highlighted Gyokeres's less-than-optimal fitness. However, the Spanish manager understands this, as Gyokeres hasn't played or trained for the past two months.

"I'm optimistic that after training hard every day, his condition will improve. Hopefully, he can integrate with the others. I hope the other players will help him achieve what he wants," Arteta added.

"Regarding his fitness level, he hasn't trained with the team for the past two months. But I'm sure he'll improve and be in better condition for the next match," Arteta said.

In the match against Villarreal, former Arsenal player Nicolas Pepe stole the show.

Pepe, who was sent off by Arsenal, opened the scoring for the Yellow Submarine in the 17th minute. Etta Eyong then put the Spanish La Liga club ahead 2-0 in the 34th minute.

Just two minutes later, Arsenal finally broke the deadlock after new midfielder Christian Norgaard scored to make it 2-1.

However, Villarreal struck again through Arnaut Danjuma in the second half. Arsenal finally reduced the deficit after Odegaard scored from the penalty spot.

After the match against Villarreal, the North London club played another La Liga team, Athletic Bilbao, in the Emirates Cup. They then began their Premier League campaign with a big match against Manchester United on August 17, 2025.