Arsenal Suffers Second Consecutive Loss Ahead of Manchester City Clash

Arsenal suffered a 3-2 defeat to Borussia Dortmund at home in their third pre-season friendly. The match was officially part of the Emirates Cup, an annual tournament hosted at the Gunners' stadium. The Premier League champions started strong but were unfortunate to concede two goals from Dortmund's first two shots on target, scored by Samuele Inacio (7’) and Konstantinos Karetsas (29’). In between these goals, Viktor Gyökeres hit the post. Ethan Nwaneri (54’) pulled one back for Arsenal, but a goal from Joan Gadou (58’) restored Dortmund's comfortable lead. Gyökeres converted a penalty in the 69th minute to make it 3-2, but that was the final score. In the dying seconds, Gabriel Martinelli’s shot found the net, but it was disallowed for offside.

This loss marks Arsenal's second consecutive defeat, following their 3-1 loss to Real Betis in Dublin just days prior. In exactly one week, Mikel Arteta's side will face Manchester City in the Community Shield, before kicking off their Premier League season at home against Coventry on August 21st.

Before that, the Gunners have one more warm-up match against Como on August 12th. They have secured one victory in their summer friendlies so far, a 4-1 win over Girona.

Arsenal was without key players such as David Raya, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze, Martín Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, and new signing Bruno Guimarães, all of whom were involved in the World Cup until late. Jurrien Timber and William Saliba are currently sidelined with injuries. During the match against Borussia, Arteta rotated his entire squad, leaving captain Martin Ødegaard on the pitch for only half an hour.

This summer's acquisition, Christos Tzolis, who played on the left wing, impressed with an assist and by winning a penalty.

Meanwhile, this marks Borussia Dortmund's third victory in five pre-season friendlies. The 'Black and Yellows' will conclude their warm-up matches against Roma on August 15th, before facing Bayern Munich in the German Supercup on August 22nd. The Bundesliga season is set to begin a week later.