ARSENAL suffered another pre-season defeat as they missed out on the chance to lift the Emirates Cup.
The Gunners lost 3-2 at their home stadium to Borussia Dortmund.
Arsenal lost to Borussia Dortmund in the Emirates Cup Credit: Getty
Borussia Dortmund ran out 3-2 winners in North London Credit: Getty
Samuele Inacio and Konstantinos Karetsas gave the Germans a 2-0 lead at half-time.
Ethan Nwaneri tucked home nine minutes after the break but Dortmund restored their two-goal advantage four minutes later through Joane Gadou.
Viktor Gyokeres fired home a penalty on 69 minutes but .
Arsenal then won a practice penalty shootout after full-time, with Nwaneri grabbing the decisive effort.
Here’s how SunSport’s Arsenal reporter Joshua Hall rated the Arsenal players…
KEPA ARRIZABALAGA – 5
The Spaniard looked and has been fighting to remain Arteta’s No2 after the arrival of Illan Meslier this summer.
This performance did nothing to try and claim that place as his own.
BEN WHITE – 6
White will have to play a big part of the start of season, given Jurrien Timber’s ongoing groin issue.
Kepa Arrizabalaga will not be dislodging David Raya anytime soon Credit: AFP
A solid showing from the right-back, but nothing to write home about.
CRISTHIAN MOSQUERA – 4
Given William Saliba’s injury issues are expected to see him out for a significant period, Mosquera can expect to be called upon a fair bit if Arsenal don’t bring in a new centre-back before the end of the window.
There were some positive moments, but the Spaniard switched off to allow Samuele Inacio to ghost in behind and open the scoring for Dortmund.
GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 6
A first pre-season start for the Brazilian after he got just 30 minutes of action off the bench against Real Betis last time out.
A decent enough performance, but he will have been disappointed with his role in Dortmund’s opener.
RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 4
The Italian had little to no impact on the game and was replaced after 60 minutes.
MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 6
Arteta is persisting with Lewis-Skelly in midfield, especially with Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi yet to return to training after the World Cup.
However, the means the 19-year-old has another top-class midfielder to fight for his place in the squad against.
This performance showed he can do well on the ball, but he will welcome the return of some experienced midfielders alongside him.
KAI HAVERTZ – 6
Started in midfield alongside Martin Odegaard in a technically sound attack-minded lineup.
The German found himself in some threatening positions down the channels but lacked the final ball at times.
Perhaps most noticeably when he tried to square a golden chance to Viktor Gyokeres and played it straight into Alexander Meyer’s grasp.
Christos Tzolis impressed once more on the left Credit: Getty
Christhian Mosquera looked off the pace at the back Credit: AFP
MARTIN ODEGAARD – 7
The first we have seen of the Gunners captain since the World Cup, where he shone as Norway exceeded the expectations of the masses.
He was only given 30 minutes of action, but looked strong on the ball and keen to pull the strings from midfield.
MAX DOWMAN – 7
It has been no surprise to anyone, but Dowman has been one of the brightest sparks in Arsenal’s pre-season preparations this summer.
He was always trying to make things happen and had some bright moments down the right flank. With Bukayo Saka yet to return, Dowman could be a big part of Arsenal’s start to the season.
CHRISTOS TZOLIS – 8
The £34m summer arrival might have a bigger part to play on the left wing this season now that .
But that might not be a bad thing, as Tzolis has impressed every time he has taken to the pitch during pre-season.
This was another good performance, with some more promising set-piece deliveries and an assist to boot.
VIKTOR GYOKERES – 7
The striker finally got his pre-season goal with a second-half penalty.
His first half was less than ideal, as he smashed a free kick miles over, clattered the crossbar from close range and flopped to the floor instead of taking a shot in the box.
However, his second half was much improved as he drove the team forward in search of a comeback.
SUBSTITIUTES
ETHAN NWANERI (for Odegaard, 32min) – 8
Nwaneri is effectively playing for his Arsenal career this summer.
Last season’s failed loan to Marseille showed where Mikel Arteta views him in the pecking order at the club, and the youngster needs to impress if he wants first-team action this term.
Viktor Gyokeres made no mistake from the penalty spot Credit: Reuters
Ethan Nwaneri looked good on the ball in midfield Credit: Getty
His second-half performance might go some way to giving Arteta something to think about, including a well-taken goal and some dangerous play.
ILLAN MESLIER (for Kepa, 45 mins) – 5
Meslier had a chance to stake a claim as the No2, but struggled with a routine corner at the first sign of danger.
Arsenal need David Raya back as quickly as possible.
PIERO HINCAPIE (for Gabriel, 60 mins) – 6
A solid substitute cameo from the versatile defender.
MARLI SALMON (for Calafiori, 60 mins) – 7
The youngster made a brilliant last-ditch tackle to prevent Dortmund from running away with the game.
Salmon is rated very highly at Arsenal and you can see why every time he plays.
FABIO VIEIRA – N/A
JOSH OGUNNAIKE – N/A
CEADACH O’NEILL – N/A
GABRIEL MARTINELLI – N/A
GABRIEL JESUS – N/A
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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