How did the Arsenal summer signings fare on their Emirates Stadium debut v Villarreal? | OneFootball

Mikel Arteta is not a fan of matches being labelled ‘friendlies’. The Arsenal manager calls pre-season matches ‘tests ‘and has a hand in selecting who Arsenal play to ensure his players are best prepared for the challenges of the season ahead.

Spanish side Villarreal were the visitors to north London after challenging fixtures against AC Milan, Newcastle United and Tottenham, in Asia.

The La Liga side did not disappoint the Arsenal manager as they played with so much determination they raced into a two-goal lead with strikes from former Arsenal forward Nicolas Pepe and  Karl Etta Eyong. Christian Norgaard scored a well-received first goal for his new club before Villarreal sub Arnaut Danjuma restored his side’s two-goal advantage. Martin Odegaard’s penalty ensured a clkose finish in which Arsenal had chances to equalise.

Pepe, however, was not the main attraction that led to a sold-out 60,000 Emirates Stadium for an August evening match with seemingly nothing on it.

The star names they wanted to see, aside from old favourites and 15-year-old wonderkid Max Dowman, were Arteta’s summer signings: Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, Christhian Mosquera and Kepa Arrizabalaga..

Here is a look at how they made their mark in their first home game in the famous Arsenal red and white. I have also given them a rating out of ten on the basis 6 is a solid, satisfactory performance.

VIKTOR GYOKERES: The Swedish striker is carrying so much hope on his broad shoulders. He is still gaining his fitness having missed the start of pre-season with his former club, Sporting, but looked strong and powerful. He did not score in his 60 minutes but did enough to show Arsenal now have a genuine striker with his mindset on getting between the posts and firing off a shot.  6.5/10

CHRISTIAN NORGAARD: The former Brentford skipper looks like he has been an Arsenal player for years and represents an upgrade on the extremely popular Jorginho in the Arsenal squad. He was a reassuring presence in the heart of midfield and took his chance well to score with a header from a trademark Arsenal corner set-piece. 7/10.

MARTIN ZUBIMENDI: The Spanish midfielder came on for the start of the second half and also showed he has adapted instantly to playing football the Arteta Arsenal way. A reassuring shield in front of the Arsenal back four. Always found a red shirt without ever being spectacular. He is not meant to be and did everything right. 7/10

KEPA ARRIZABALAGA: The bargain goalkeeper signing from London rivals Chelsea looks capable of representing a genuine alternative to David Raya as Arsenal’s first choice keeper. He will have better days and will think he could have done more to keep Danjuma’s shot out but was badly exposed for Villarreal’s third goal. Once again impressive against penalties as he kept out two in the post-match shoot-out. 6.5/10

CHRISTHIAN MOSQUERA: The tall, young Spanish defender was another substitute who showed promise. Determined in the tackle he also took every opportunity to get forward and will clearly add more depth to a squad short on numbers last season. 6.5/10.

NONI MADUEKE: The Chelsea signing who sparked a negative reaction on social media received a loud standing ovation from the money-paying Arsenal supporters in the stadium. He played on the left wing and was a threat every time he got on the ball. Will surely be more than a backup player once he gets into his stride and up to full fitness. Missed his shoot-out penalty. 6.5/10.

MAX DOWMAN: Not a new signing, but a new player in that this was his home debut as a first-team player. And the teenager again looked Arsenal’s best player when he came on. He won a penalty with some dazzling dribbling and was a constant creative threat from the right wing. 8/10