Arsenal vs Villarreal live: Substitute Max Dowman shines but visitors withstand Gunners pressure to win 3-2 | OneFootball

Close

Norgaard excited after 'big move' to Arsenal

Villareal beat Arsenal 3-2 in the Gunners’ penultimate friendly of the season and first at the Emirates.

The Gunners have returned from a tour of Asia that produced mixed results including a win over Newcastle and a loss against Spurs, but fans have been encouraged by a series of signings that includes striker Viktor Gyokeres, midfielder Martin Zubimendi and former Chelsea winger Noni Madueke.

And all three made their Emirates debuts, with Gyokeres handed a maiden start - but although the Swedish forward threatened at points in the second half, he was largely kept quiet.

It was another expensive signing, ex-Gunner Nicolas Pepe - who was bought for £72m - who broke the deadlock as Villareal countered superbly, with youngster Etta Eyong doubling the visitors’ advantage with a header from close range.

Christian Odegaard, also making his debut, pulled one back with a fine header from a set-piece, but Arsenal were again caught napping and it was Danjuma who capitalised with a fine finish past substitute keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga. 15-year-old Max Dowman shone again on a substitute appearance, winning a penalty which Martin Odegaard slotted home, but it was too little too late despite a barrage of late pressure by the hosts. Villareal went on to win the subsequent penalty shootout, too.