Arsenal have been allowing goals at a startling pace during the summer fixtures – seven goals in just three matches. The defensive solidity that was a cornerstone of their Premier League triumph last season now appears to be a potential Achilles' heel as the new campaign looms.
The Gunners are set to meet Manchester City in the Community Shield on Sunday, yet their back line looks thin. Central defender William Saliba is sidelined with a serious back problem that could keep him out for a considerable spell, and Jurrien Timber remains several weeks away from full fitness.
The absence of these two key figures leaves Arteta with limited options at the heart of defence. Compounding the issue, Mikel Arteta's pre‑season preparations have hit a rough patch.
In the three friendlies played since the start of August, Arsenal have conceded an average of 2.3 goals per game – six goals across the last two fixtures – a stark contrast to the 1.4 goals per league match they allowed during the title‑winning season. In fact, it has been more than three years since Arsenal have let in three or more goals in back‑to‑back games of any competition. The results to date are: - 1 August: Girona 1–4 Arsenal - 5 August: Arsenal 1–3 Real Betis - 9 August: Arsenal 2–3 Borussia Dortmund Arteta will undoubtedly point to the usual pre‑season caveats: this period is designed for experimentation, for players to shake off rust and gradually build match sharpness.
Mistakes are expected as the squad transitions from training drills to full‑match intensity, and the team’s cohesion should improve as the season approaches. Nevertheless, the numbers are hard to ignore.
The Spaniard has a sizeable pool of first‑team regulars returning from international duty, plus the newly signed midfielder Bruno Guimarães, who will need to be integrated quickly. Guimarães, alongside Declan Rice, is expected to provide an extra layer of protection in front of the back four. Despite fielding what should be a first‑choice defensive quartet on Sunday against Dortmund, Arsenal looked vulnerable.
Gabriel made his first appearance, replacing Piero Hincapié in the centre, but the defensive unit did not tighten up; instead, it seemed to unravel. Both Gabriel and Cristian Mosquera were caught out of position on several occasions, leading to easy chances for the visitors. Saliba’s absence was felt even more acutely when the team tried to regroup for a final friendly against Como on Wednesday.
That match should give Arteta a clearer picture of which areas require immediate attention before the showdown at Wembley. The Community Shield, while technically a one‑off trophy, offers a valuable early test against a direct rival and an opportunity for Arteta to assert his tactical philosophy.
Arteta, now the longest‑serving manager in the Premier League, will not be granted the same leeway as a newcomer like Enzo Maresca. This is his 353rd competitive match in charge, and a defeat – even in a friendly – still stings. After the Dortmund loss, he admitted that the goals conceded were "poor" and reflected a lower intensity than he expects from his side.
A closer look at the six goals allowed against Real Betis and Dortmund reveals a pattern: three came from shots outside the penalty area, and two resulted from defensive set‑pieces. Arsenal's shape when out of possession appears disjointed, particularly in the midfield where the transition from attack to defence is crucial. Midfield stability should improve once Rice returns to full fitness, supported by Guimarães' assertiveness and Martin Ødegaard's leadership.
The manager has also been encouraging his creative core to take more risks, which may have temporarily compromised defensive rigidity. Last season, Arsenal were often criticised for relying on set‑piece proficiency to edge tight games, while their open‑play efficiency lagged behind. Balancing creativity with defensive discipline will be a key task for Arteta as he prepares a squad that now enjoys greater depth and flexibility.
The recent friendlies suggest the attacking side of the game is progressing – the Gunners have shown an increased ability to create chances and dominate possession. Starting this week, the full complement of players – including World Cup winners and England internationals – will be back in training. Arteta's primary challenge will be to plug the newly exposed gap in the defensive armour without the safety net of Saliba. He will likely experiment with alternative centre‑back partnerships, perhaps pairing Gabriel with a more experienced partner or giving a chance to a younger prospect, while also tweaking the team's pressing triggers to reduce the space opponents find in the final third.
In summary, Arsenal's pre‑season has highlighted a surprising defensive frailty that could become a concern once the Premier League season begins. The upcoming Community Shield will serve as a litmus test for the back line, and the manager's ability to adapt his tactics, reinforce his midfield shield, and restore confidence in the defensive unit will be essential if the Gunners hope to defend their title successfully.