Mikel Arteta disclosed that his players were left "fuming" after Arsenal delivered a lack‑luster display and fell 3-1 to LaLiga outfit Real Betis in a pre‑season encounter staged in Dublin. The Gunners found themselves on the back foot early when Betis goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga stepped out of his line and failed to claim a corner, allowing Rodrigo Riquelme to pounce and slot the ball home at the back post. The visitors then doubled their advantage when Nelson Deossa unleashed a spectacular strike from distance, catching the Arsenal defence off‑guard.
Arsenal managed to pull one back before the break when a well‑timed inswinging corner, delivered by new signing Christos Tzolis, was met by Piero Hincapié, whose header found the net. However, the joy was short‑lived as Betis restored a two‑goal cushion when Pablo Fornals seized on a wayward pass from Kai Havertz, firing a low shot into the bottom corner.
The starting eleven for the London side featured Kepa, White, Mosquera, Hincapié, Calafiori, Lewis‑Skelly, Havertz, Nwaneri, Dowman, Gyokeres and Tzolis. Substitutes who saw action included Copley, Salmon, Gabriel, Vieira, Nelson, Jesus, Martinelli, Julienne, Meslier, Ibrahim, Ogunnaike, Clarke, Kabia and O'Neill. In the second half Arteta introduced the Brazilian internationals Gabriel and Gabriel Martinelli, giving them their first minutes of the pre‑season campaign, but the team, still missing key figures such as Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard and several World Cup veterans, could not overturn the deficit.
When pressed about the atmosphere in the dressing room after the defeat, Arteta admitted: "Very upset, given a hard time. They are fuming, but this is good. That's what we need." The loss, Arsenal's first of the pre‑season schedule, arrives as the club continues to chase fresh talent in the transfer market, having already agreed a £75 million fee with Newcastle for midfielder Bruno Guimarães.
With a long list of players still to return from international duty, Arteta again gave a chance to the midfield trio of Myles Lewis‑Skelly, Ethan Nwaneri and Kai Havertz, who had impressed in the previous friendly against Girona. This time, however, they struggled to match the intensity required against a well‑organised Betis side.
Lewis‑Skelly showed flashes of quality in the No 6 role, completing 70 of his 74 attempted passes, but he could not replicate the defensive solidity provided by the likes of Rice, Martin Zubimendi or the soon‑to‑arrive Guimarães. His performance underlined why Arsenal have pursued Guimarães so aggressively; the Brazilian is expected to bring elite‑level composure and depth to a midfield that currently appears thin. Despite the disappointing result, pre‑season fixtures are primarily about building fitness and testing tactical ideas, and the scoreline should not be over‑interpreted. Nevertheless, the uncharacteristic openness displayed by Arsenal gave Arteta plenty of material to consider as the Premier League champions prepare to defend their title.
Arteta later spoke to Premier Sports, summarising his thoughts: "Always upset when you lose a football match. Two very different halves, especially with the personnel we played today.
The first half, we wanted two different things – play well and compete well. We did the first one quite well in a lot of moments. But the compete part, especially in and around our box, was not at our standards to win a football match against a good side.
We have to have dominance. The first goal, the action from the corner, we concede a sloppy goal. Then we gave two giveaways very close to our box as well. They were very efficient, two very good goals as well from their side.
It's always good when you lose a match in pre‑season; it creates a bit more fire in the belly. It's better to give those goals away in a friendly match than an official match. It's a balance between understanding where we are and the personnel we are playing – and the demands that are at the highest level." The defeat also highlights the urgency behind Arsenal's transfer ambitions. The club's pursuit of Guimarães, a dynamic box‑to‑box midfielder, is intended to bolster a unit that has struggled to control the middle of the park in Dublin.
His arrival would not only add a creative spark but also provide a reliable defensive shield, allowing the likes of Havertz and the emerging Lewis‑Skelly to operate with greater freedom. Beyond the midfield concerns, the match exposed defensive frailties, particularly in dealing with set‑piece situations and quick transitions. The concession of a goal from a poorly defended corner and two swift counters emphasised the need for improved organisation and communication among the back line.
Arsenal's defensive coach will likely use this footage to drill positioning and decision‑making ahead of the competitive season. While the result is a setback, Arteta remains optimistic that the experience will serve as a catalyst for improvement. The frustration expressed by the players, according to the manager, is a positive sign that they care deeply about performance standards. Turning that frustration into motivation could prove vital as Arsenal embark on a campaign that will test their depth, resilience and ability to adapt to new personnel.
In summary, the 3-1 loss to Real Betis in Dublin was a sobering reminder that even champions must refine their game. The match offered insights into areas requiring reinforcement – midfield depth, defensive cohesion and set‑piece discipline – and reinforced the club's resolve to secure key signings before the season kicks off. The disappointment felt in the dressing room may well ignite a renewed determination, ensuring Arsenal return to the pitch with sharper focus and greater intensity as they aim to retain their Premier League crown.