Arsenal player ratings vs Villarreal: Viktor Gyokeres shows signs of promise despite losing in first start | OneFootball

The Swede went goalless as he played his first minutes at the Emirates, but there is cause for optimism

Welcome home: Viktor Gyokeres made his Emirates bow

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

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Arsenal suffered their second defeat of pre-season in a row as they were beaten by Villarreal at Emirates Stadium.

The visitor went 2-0 up through former Gunners winger Nicolas Pepe and Karl Etta Eyong, but Christian Norgaard pulled a goal back before half-time.

Arsenal controlled a lot of the possession, however they were hit on the counter as Arnaut Danjuma restored Villarreal’s two-goal lead.

Martin Odegaard reduced the deficit by scoring a penalty, which was won by Max Dowman, but Villarreal held on to claim a 3-2 win.

Simon Collings was at Emirates Stadium to see Arsenal in action...

David Raya 6

Will be disappointed with the two goals he conceded as Villarreal players were allowed to poke home rebounds.

Ben White 6

Started for the fourth game in a row in pre-season and looks sharp. Overlapped a few times and caused problems.

William Saliba 7

Solid as ever and Arsenal’s best defender in the game. The defence has looked suspect at times in pre-season, but the Frenchman has still performed well.

Jakub Kiwior 5

Shaky at times and was brushed off too easily by Pepe for the opening goal. Struggled with Villarreal’s pace on the break.

Myles Lewis-Skelly 6

Played much more centrally in the second half and involvement in the game grew. Still looks to be getting up to speed.

Ethan Nwaneri 7

One of Arsenal’s better players in the first half and looked bright whenever he got on the ball.

Christian Norgaard 7

Got on the scoresheet by heading home at the back post from a corner. Broke up the play well during a solid performance.

Mikel Merino 6

Neat and tidy, but nothing spectacular. Created a decent opening for Gyokeres with a good through-ball.

Bukayo Saka 6

Drew a save in the first half after a run and cut in from the right. Linked up nicely with White at times.

Viktor Gyokeres 6

Handed his first start and was quiet. Will take time to get on the same wavelength as his new team-mates, as more than once he made runs and wasn’t found.

Gabriel Martinelli 5

Has not got going in pre-season and this was another frustrating performance. Assisted Norgaard’s goal with a corner, but in open play his final ball was lacking.

Substitutions

Martin Zubimendi (Norgaard 46’) 7

Looks like such a classy player. Played some great passes and oozed composure.

Cristhian Mosquera (White 46’) 6

Spent 15 minutes at right-back before moving to the heart of defence.

Martin Odegaard (Gyokeres 63’) 7

Slotted his penalty by sending the goalkeeper the wrong way. Helped lift the tempo and combined well with Dowman.

Max Dowman (Saka 63’) 7

Just ridiculous that he is 15. Looked really bright and won a penalty with a deft flick.

Kepa Arrizabalaga (Raya 63’) 6

Arguably should have come off his line to close down Danjuma for his goal, but it was a good finish.

Jurrien Timber (Saliba 63’) 6

Made his first appearance since May and did okay considering the lack of game time.

Gabriel (Kiwior 63’) 6

Understandably rusty after months out of action. Got some valuable minutes under his belt.

Declan Rice (Nwaneri 63’) 6

Added some athleticism to the midfield as Arsenal chased down a late equaliser.

Noni Madueke (Martinelli 77’) N/A

Oleksandr Zinchenko (Lewis-Skelly 77’) N/A

Subs not used: Setford, Lokonga, Harriman-Annous