Arsenal have been allowing goals at a rate that would alarm most managers, conceding seven times in just three pre‑season fixtures. The defensive solidity that underpinned their Premier League triumph last season now appears to be turning into a surprising vulnerability as the new campaign looms. The Gunners head into the Community Shield against Manchester City on Sunday with a noticeably thin defensive roster. Central defender William Saliba is sidelined with a serious back problem that is expected to keep him out for a considerable spell, while Jurrien Timber is still weeks away from full fitness after his own injury lay‑off.
Their absences leave Arteta with limited options at the heart of the back line. Adding to the concern, Arsenal's pre‑season attacking output has been prolific – an average of 2.3 goals per game across three friendlies, rising to six goals in the last two matches. While that statistic looks impressive on paper, it masks a defensive issue: the team has been leaking more than one goal per game, a stark contrast to the 1.4 goals they allowed on average in Premier League matches last term. In fact, it has been more than three years since Arsenal have conceded three or more goals in consecutive fixtures of any kind.
The recent results illustrate the problem: - 1 August: Girona 1–4 Arsenal - 5 August: Arsenal 1–3 Real Betis - 9 August: Arsenal 2–3 Borussia Dortmund Arteta will undoubtedly point out the usual pre‑season caveats – that mistakes are expected as players transition from training drills to match intensity, and that sharpness improves as the season approaches. He also has a number of first‑team regulars returning from international duty, as well as new signing Bruno Guimarães, who will need time to settle into the squad.
Guimarães, together with Declan Rice, is expected to provide an additional layer of protection in midfield, helping to shield the defence. Nevertheless, the defensive frailties were on full display in the loss to Borussia Dortmund, even though a full‑strength back four was fielded.
Gabriel returned to replace Piero Hincapié at centre‑back, but the back line performed worse rather than better. Both Gabriel and Cristian Mosquera were caught out of position, exposing gaps that Dortmund exploited. Saliba’s absence was felt acutely, and it is likely that the same quartet will be selected for the showdown with Manchester City after a final friendly against Como on Wednesday. That match should give Arteta a clearer picture of where the defensive unit needs the most work before the season officially begins at Wembley.
Any encounter – the Community Shield or a regular league fixture – carries weight, especially against a direct rival. Arteta, now the longest‑serving Premier League manager, will not be granted the same leeway that a newcomer such as Enzo Maresca might enjoy in his first competitive appearance. This is his 353rd competitive match in charge, and a defeat, however minor, still stings.
After the Dortmund defeat, Arteta admitted the result "hurt" and highlighted the poor quality of the goals they conceded. He said, "We let in some poor goals the other day, some poor goals today, in the way we competed, especially," acknowledging that the team’s intensity and concentration were below his expectations.
A closer look at the six goals conceded to Real Betis and Dortmund reveals a pattern: three came from long‑range efforts outside the box, and two resulted from defensive corners. Arsenal’s shape when out of possession appears disjointed, with players often out of sync and leaving spaces for opponents to exploit. In midfield, the issue is even more pronounced. The roles and responsibilities should stabilise once Rice returns to full fitness, supported by Guimarães’s assertiveness and Martin Ødegaard’s leadership.
Their presence should help the team retain its shape and press more effectively. Arteta has also been encouraging his creative midfielders to take more initiative, which may have come at the expense of defensive rigidity. Last season, Arsenal were frequently criticised for relying on set‑piece prowess to win tight games, while their open‑play efficiency lagged behind. This season, Arteta appears to be rebalancing that equation, aiming for a more fluid, possession‑based style that can also produce chances in open play.
The shift in philosophy requires time to perfect, but the recent friendlies suggest progress. Arsenal have shown they can create numerous scoring opportunities, indicating that the offensive side of the balance is improving. Starting this week, Arteta will have his full complement of players back as World Cup winners and England internationals rejoin the squad. His primary task will be to plug the newly identified defensive hole, a challenge made more urgent by Saliba’s unavailability.
The manager must find a solution that does not sacrifice the attacking flair he wishes to develop. In summary, Arsenal’s pre‑season has highlighted a surprising defensive weakness that could threaten their title defence. While the attacking numbers are encouraging, the back line’s susceptibility to conceding goals – especially from distance and set‑piece situations – needs urgent attention.
Arteta’s upcoming fixtures, including the Community Shield, will serve as an early test of whether the team can tighten up defensively while maintaining the creative spark that has become a hallmark of his tenure.