Opinion: Arsenal fans should be worried about these pre-season results

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Just Arsenal News

·7. August 2025

Opinion: Arsenal fans should be worried about these pre-season results

Losing to Tottenham during a pre-season fixture in Asia was a disappointment, but a greater concern for Arsenal supporters is the defeat to Villarreal at the Emirates just days before the new campaign begins. While some argue that pre-season matches should not be judged too harshly, and others point to the absence of key players, the reality is that Arsenal did not show visible improvement in their latest outing.

The Gunners once again dominated possession and pushed Villarreal into defensive positions for long periods. Yet, for all their control and attacking intent, they failed to translate pressure into a positive result. Villarreal were able to withstand the waves of attack and ultimately left with a win that may well serve as a tactical blueprint for Arsenal’s Premier League opponents.

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Same Problems, Different Opposition

With just one match remaining before their league opener against Manchester United, Arsenal find themselves needing answers. The back-to-back losses to Tottenham and Villarreal highlight an issue that has plagued the side in recent times. In both matches, Arsenal struggled to break down defences when it mattered most.

Importantly, these were not games decided by late drama. Arsenal had ample time to recover in both fixtures but failed to find the solutions required. It raises questions about the side’s ability to respond under pressure, especially against teams who are disciplined and compact.

There is growing concern among the fanbase about whether the team is truly ready for the competitive challenges ahead. Possession and build-up play are not enough unless they are accompanied by cutting edge in the final third.

(Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Attacking Concerns Before Season Opener

While Arsenal have welcomed a new striker into the squad, he is still adapting and appears to need more time before making a consistent impact. This leaves Arsenal in a position where they may be forced to play catch-up if early results do not go their way. There is a growing sense that these defeats have exposed issues that must be addressed urgently if the club is to meet its ambitions.

With just one pre-season fixture remaining, the pressure is mounting on Mikel Arteta to fine-tune his squad and find solutions that will translate promising possession into meaningful results once the Premier League season gets underway.

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