Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has stated that his team was quite naïve in the way it defended in a 3-2 loss to Spanish side Villarreal in a preseason friendly game.
The penultimate preseason game for Arsenal was played out at the Emirates Stadium and had the Yellow Submarine take a 2-0 lead including a goal in the 16th minute from former Arsenal midfielder Nicolas Pepe.
New Arsenal midfielder Christian Norgaard scored with a header from close range to reduce the deficit before former AFC Bournemouth forward Arnaut Danjuma scored to effectively seal the win. Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard scored from the penalty spot later in the game.
Speaking to Arsenal media after the loss, Arteta wasn’t impressed with the way his defended in the game stating,
“We’re disappointed with the result. I think we were a bit naive, especially the way we defended open spaces and the counter-press in a few moments – I think they had three shots, three goals.”
Arsenal take on another Spanish side Athletic Club on Saturday, August 9 in their final preseason game.
