Mikel Arteta disclosed that his squad was left "fuming" after Arsenal delivered a lack‑luster display and fell 3-1 to Spanish LaLiga outfit Real Betis in a pre‑season friendly staged in Dublin. The Gunners found themselves on the back foot early when Betis goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga failed to claim a corner, allowing Rodrigo Riquelme to tap the ball home at the back post. The visitors then doubled their advantage when Nelson Deossa unleashed a spectacular long‑range strike that left the Arsenal defence scrambling.
Arsenal managed to pull one back when a newly‑signed forward, Christos Tzolis, swung in an inswinging corner that was met by Piero Hincapie, who headed the ball over the line. However, Betis quickly restored a two‑goal cushion when Pablo Fornals slotted a low‑driven effort into the bottom corner after a wayward pass from Kai Havertz left the ball ripe for the taking. The line‑up that started the match featured Kepa, White, Mosquera, Hincapie, 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.
During the second half Arteta introduced the Brazilian internationals Gabriel and Gabriel Martinelli, giving them their first pre‑season appearances. Despite the fresh legs, Arsenal – still missing key figures such as Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard and several other World Cup participants – were unable to overturn the deficit. When pressed about the atmosphere in the dressing room after the defeat, Arteta replied, "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 campaign, arrives as the club continues to chase new signings, having already agreed a £75 million fee with Newcastle for midfielder Bruno Guimarães. With a long list of players still on holiday after the World Cup, Arteta again turned to the midfield trio of Myles Lewis‑Skelly, Ethan Nwaneri and Kai Havertz, who had performed well in the earlier win over Girona. This time, however, they struggled to match the intensity required against a well‑organised Betis side. Lewis‑Skelly displayed moments of promise in the No 6 role, completing 70 out of 74 attempted passes – an impressive 94.6% accuracy.
Yet, his defensive contributions fell short of the standards set by seasoned midfielders such as Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, or the incoming Guimarães, whose transfer is drawing nearer. Despite the shortfall, Arteta believes Lewis‑Skelly will still feature prominently this season, but the Dublin test highlighted why Arsenal have pursued Guimarães so aggressively. The Brazilian would bring elite quality and depth to a midfield that currently lacks a true anchor. It is worth noting that pre‑season results carry limited weight in the grand scheme.
The primary aim of these fixtures is to build fitness and integrate new players. Nonetheless, Arsenal's uncharacteristic openness and defensive frailties provided Arteta with valuable insights as the defending Premier League champions prepare to protect their title. Arteta later addressed Premier Sports, stating: "It's always upsetting when you lose a football match. The two halves were very different, especially given the personnel we used.
In the first half we wanted to achieve two things – play well and compete well. We managed the first part in several moments, but the competitive aspect, particularly around our box, fell below the level needed to beat a quality side." He continued, "We need to dominate. The first goal came from a sloppy corner we conceded, and we gave away two more chances close to our own area.
Their efficiency was evident – two very good goals. Losing a pre‑season match can be beneficial; it adds a bit more fire to the belly. It's far better to concede in a friendly than in an official competition.
It forces us to balance our understanding of where we are, the players we have, and the demands of top‑level football." The match also underscored Arsenal's ongoing transfer strategy. The club's pursuit of Bruno Guimarães is a direct response to the midfield gaps exposed in Dublin.
Guimarães, known for his ball‑winning ability, tactical intelligence and composure on the ball, is expected to complement the existing core while providing a reliable alternative to Rice when needed. Beyond the tactical analysis, the fixture offered a glimpse into the development of younger talents. Ethan Nwaneri, still a teenager, gained valuable experience against senior opposition, while Christos Tzolis, who recently joined from the Greek league, earned his first assist for the Gunners.
These moments, though modest, are crucial for building confidence and cohesion ahead of the demanding season. In summary, the 3‑1 defeat to Real Betis served as a reality check for Arsenal.
The team displayed moments of technical proficiency but lacked the defensive solidity and collective intensity required at the highest level. Arteta's candid remarks about the players' frustration indicate a willingness to confront shortcomings head‑on. With the summer transfer window still open, the club is poised to reinforce its midfield, add depth, and fine‑tune its tactics before the Premier League campaign resumes. The Dublin friendly may have been a setback, but it also provided the groundwork for necessary adjustments, ensuring that the Gunners head into the new season with a clearer understanding of their strengths, weaknesses, and the work that lies ahead.