Pre-season friendlies turned violent and unpredictable as Premier League clubs faced a weekend of red cards, injuries, and surprise results. Arsenal suffered a second defeat in a week, Manchester United were held to a draw, and multiple brawls overshadowed the action.
Arsenal beaten again
Arsenal lost 3-2 to Borussia Dortmund in north London, with more comical defending costing Mikel Arteta's side. The defeat came days after Arteta admitted his team were “below the standard” in Wednesday's loss to Real Betis.
Red card brawl in Betis draw
Betis continued to prove a tough test, drawing 2-2 with an unnamed opponent. Former Manchester United winger Antony and Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott were both sent off after a melee late in the first half.
Elanga stretchered off in Newcastle brawl
Newcastle's friendly against Valencia turned ugly when Anthony Elanga was on the end of a heavy challenge from Jose Gaya. The Spanish left-back caught Elanga on the shin, forcing the winger to be stretchered off. New Magpies boss Matthias Jaissle sprinted onto the pitch to shield the Swede as players confronted Gaya. Elanga reportedly avoided serious injury and was moving around the changing room at full-time.
Marathon friendlies for Leeds and Hull
Leeds and Hull played 120-minute friendlies against RB Leipzig and Eintracht Frankfurt respectively, with 60-minute halves and a drinks break after 30 minutes. Leeds drew 2-2 with goals from Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha, while Hull lost 2-0 in Frankfurt.
Man Utd held by PSG
Manchester United drew 1-1 with PSG in Gothenburg. Ibrahim Mbaye opened the scoring after three minutes, but Bryan Mbeumo equalised 20 minutes later. Mason Mount was withdrawn with an injury that does not appear serious.
Iraola loses Anfield debut
Andoni Iraola lost his first game at Anfield as Liverpool boss, with Monaco coming from 2-0 down to win 3-2. Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz scored in the opening half hour, but Monaco rallied after the break.
Mudryk returns for Chelsea
Mykhailo Mudryk made his first appearance in two years after a doping suspension, coming on late in Chelsea's 3-3 draw with Johor Darul Ta'zim. Liam Delap scored two penalties in the match.
