Arsenal vs Real Betis LIVE: Pre-season friendly result, latest updates and fan reaction | OneFootball

Gunners are in Dublin this evening for second official pre-season fixture

Arsenal paid the price for a sloppy defensive performance as they slumped to defeat against Real Betis. The Gunners conceded three times in a surprisingly poor first half showing, with former West Ham attacking midfielder Pablo Fornals one of the beneficiaries for Manuel Pellegrini’s side.

After weathering the early storm, Betis took the lead when Rodrigo Riquelme was left unmarked at the back post for a simple tap-in after Kepa Arrizabalaga had fumbled at a corner. If the Arsenal goalkeeper was at fault for Betis’ opener, there was nothing he could do about their second. Nelson Deossa was afforded far too much space just outside the area and unleashed an unstoppable effort into the top corner.

Piero Hincapie was on hand to reduce the deficit, benefitting from a Valles mistake at a corner, but Fornals restored Betis’ two-goal lead shortly before the break as he passed the ball into the net after Kai Havertz had lost possession cheaply in midfield. Follow Arsenal vs Real Betis back below with Standard Sport's dedicated match blog.