Home SPORTS Arteta Blames 'Naive' Defending for Arsenal's Villarreal Defeat

Arteta Blames 'Naive' Defending for Arsenal's Villarreal Defeat

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Mikel Arteta
Mikel Arteta Criticizes Arsenal's Defending After 3-2 Loss


Mikel Arteta attributes Arsenal's 3-2 friendly defeat to Villarreal to 'naive' defending, but praises new signing Viktor Gyokeres and youngster Max Dowman after back-to-back pre-season losses.


“He's been with us only a week or so, but I really saw a lot of things and a lot of purpose...”


Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta attributed his team's 3-2 friendly defeat to Villarreal to naive defending, which ultimately cost them the game.


The loss marked Arsenal's second consecutive defeat in pre-season, following their loss to Tottenham Hotspur, after they had initially started strong with wins over AC Milan and Newcastle United. Arsenal fell behind 2-0 within 33 minutes against Villarreal at the Emirates Stadium.




“Today I think the result is painful. I think they were super efficient but we've been naive, especially the way we have defended in open spaces and that's something that, especially the way we play, we have to absolutely nail,” Arteta told reporters.


“Today we haven't been good at all in that department and that has cost us the game for sure.”


Arteta was pleased with the performance of new signing Viktor Gyokeres, who made his first start for Arsenal in the 3-2 friendly defeat to Villarreal.


“I think it was very important for him to start a match and start to have the feeling and the connection with the team,” Arteta said, highlighting the importance of Gyokeres getting a feel for the team after his £63.5 million switch from Sporting last month.


“He's been with us only a week or so, but I really saw a lot of things and a lot of purpose, especially the way he was attacking certain spaces.”


Mikel Arteta also praised highly-rated 15-year-old attacking midfielder Max Dowman, who contributed to Arsenal's cause by winning a penalty in the friendly match against Villarreal.


“He continues to impress, without a doubt. The impact he had in the game again today, the efficiency that he shows in every attack and action, it's incredible,” the Spaniard added.




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