Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has reacted to his team’s disappointing 3 2 defeat to Borussia Dortmund in the Emirates Cup final, admitting that the result was frustrating and that several areas of the team’s performance need to improve before the new season begins.
The Gunners suffered the defeat at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday as Dortmund produced an impressive attacking display to claim victory in the pre season tournament. Although Arsenal eventually won the subsequent penalty shootout, the shootout was part of the pre arranged format and did not change the outcome of the match.
Dortmund took control of the contest through goals from Samuele Inacio and Konstantinos Karetsas, giving the German side a two goal advantage before half time. Arsenal responded after the interval when Ethan Nwaneri pulled one back, raising hopes of a comeback...READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
However, Joane Gadou restored Dortmund’s two goal advantage before Viktor Gyokeres gave Arsenal another lifeline with a second goal for the hosts. Despite late pressure from the Gunners, Dortmund held on to secure a 3 2 victory.
The match proceeded to a penalty shootout as previously agreed, with Arsenal eventually coming out on top after goalkeeper Illan Meslier saved Mathis Albert’s attempt. However, Arteta made it clear that the penalty victory should not be confused with the actual result of the match.
Speaking after the encounter, the Arsenal boss acknowledged that his team had suffered a defeat and admitted that he was unhappy with the performance.
Arteta explained that Arsenal still have important areas to improve, while some players need additional minutes and match rhythm following their involvement in the summer’s international competition.
The Spanish coach also pointed out that having more players return to training would be beneficial as Arsenal prepare for the start of the competitive campaign.
Several members of the Arsenal squad who featured in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final are expected to return to training, giving Arteta a more complete group to work with as preparations intensify.
The defeat therefore provides another important test for Arsenal ahead of their final pre season fixture against Como and the Community Shield clash with Manchester City.
Despite the setback against Dortmund, Arteta is expected to use the remaining pre season period to address defensive weaknesses, improve the team’s overall balance and give returning players enough time to regain full match fitness.
The Arsenal manager will also be encouraged by the performances of some of his attacking players, particularly Nwaneri and Gyokeres, who both found the net during the second half.
For Arsenal supporters, the Emirates Cup defeat is unlikely to be judged solely by the result, given the friendly nature of the competition. However, Arteta’s admission that improvements are necessary will underline the importance of using the final days of pre season to correct weaknesses before the matches begin to carry competitive consequences.
With the Community Shield and Premier League campaign approaching, Arsenal will now look to turn the lessons from the defeat into positive improvements as they continue their preparations for another demanding season.
