Arsenal fell to a comprehensive 3-1 defeat to Real Betis in their second pre-season friendly, with a lacklustre performance giving Mikel Arteta cause for concern just 11 days before their season opener.
Nightmare start for Arsenal
The Gunners were 2-0 down inside 26 minutes, with Kepa Arrizabalaga making a costly error in the ninth minute. The Spanish goalkeeper came out to punch a corner but missed the ball, allowing Rodrigo Riquelme a tap-in. Kepa's poor clearance then led to Nelson Deossa's unstoppable strike.
Piero Hincapie pulled one back from a corner, but Betis restored their two-goal advantage before half-time through Pablo Fornals.
Set-piece goal offers brief hope
Arsenal's response came from a corner, with new signing Christos Tzolis delivering a dipping ball that evaded Betis goalkeeper Alvaro Valles, allowing Hincapie to nod in from close range.
Midfield exposed
With Arsenal agreeing a £75million deal to sign Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle, the second-choice midfield of Ethan Nwaneri, Myles Lewis-Skelly, and Kai Havertz was exposed. Their sloppy play led to Betis' second and third goals, with Havertz giving the ball away before Fornals' strike.
Injury blow for teenager
Arteta made seven substitutions at half-time, bringing on Louie Copley, who captained the under-21 side last season. However, the 19-year-old lasted only 10 minutes before landing awkwardly and being helped off the pitch with an apparent leg injury.
Managing minutes
Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli, who came on at half-time, were substituted after 30 minutes as Arteta carefully manages his starters' minutes ahead of the season. Both Brazilians are expected to feature against Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.
