Arsenal have found themselves leaking goals at a rate that would alarm any coach, surrendering seven times across just three pre‑season fixtures. The defensive solidity that was a cornerstone of their Premier League triumph last term now appears to be turning into a surprising vulnerability as the new campaign looms.
The Gunners are set to meet Manchester City in the Community Shield on Sunday, but their back line looks perilously thin. 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 remains several weeks away from full fitness.
The absence of these two key figures leaves a noticeable gap in the defensive hierarchy. Adding to the concerns, Mikel Arteta’s pre‑season preparations have hit a rough patch.
In the three friendlies played since the start of August, Arsenal have allowed an average of 2.3 goals per game – six goals in the last two matches alone – a figure that starkly contrasts with the 1.4 goals per league game they conceded during the title‑winning season. It is worth noting that it has been more than three years since Arsenal have given up three or more goals in consecutive matches of any sort. The recent results illustrate the problem clearly: - 1 August: Girona 1‑4 Arsenal - 5 August: Arsenal 1‑3 Real Betis - 9 August: Arsenal 2‑3 Borussia Dortmund Arteta will, of course, point to the usual pre‑season caveats. These games are designed for experimentation, where mistakes are expected as players transition from training drills to match intensity.
Sharpness and cohesion typically improve as the season approaches. Nevertheless, the defensive frailties are hard to ignore.
The Spaniard does have a number of first‑team regulars returning from the World Cup, plus the newly signed midfielder Bruno Guimarães, who will need to be integrated quickly. Guimarães, alongside Declan Rice, is expected to provide an additional layer of protection in front of the back four. Despite this, Arteta could not disguise the fact that Arsenal looked alarmingly open in the defeat to Borussia Dortmund on Sunday, even when fielding what should be a first‑choice defensive quartet (among those currently available).
Gabriel returned to the starting XI to replace Piero Hincapié in the centre, but the back line did not tighten – in fact, it seemed to unravel. Both Gabriel and Cristhian Mosquera were caught out of position, leading to clear‑cut chances for the visitors. Saliba’s absence was felt keenly, and it is likely that the same four‑man defence will be selected for the showdown with Manchester City after a final friendly against Como on Wednesday.
That match should provide Arteta with a clearer picture of where the squad’s defensive work needs to be concentrated before the Wembley fixture. Any match at this stage, whether the Community Shield or a late‑season friendly, carries weight. It offers Arteta an early opportunity to assert dominance over a direct rival.
As the Premier League’s longest‑serving manager, Arteta will not be granted the same leeway that a newcomer such as Enzo Maresca might enjoy in his debut. This will be his 353rd competitive game in charge, and a loss still stings, even after six years at the helm. After the Dortmund loss, Arteta admitted that the result "hurt" and highlighted the poor quality of the goals they allowed.
"We conceded some poor goals the other day, some poor goals today, in the way we competed, especially," he said, acknowledging that the team was operating below the intensity he expects. A closer look at the six goals conceded to Real Betis and Dortmund reveals a pattern: three came from shots outside the box, and two resulted from defensive corners.
Arsenal’s shape when out of possession appears disjointed, especially in the defensive third. Midfield is another area where the lack of structure is evident. The roles and responsibilities should settle once Rice returns to full fitness, aided by the composure of Guimarães and the leadership of Martin Ødegaard.
Until then, the midfield has struggled to provide the protective shield that a solid back line needs. It also seems that Arteta has been encouraging his creative midfielders to take more risks, perhaps at the expense of defensive stability. Last season, Arsenal were often criticised for relying heavily on set‑piece efficiency to win tight games, while their open‑play attacking output sometimes fell short. This season, Arteta appears to be tweaking that balance, aiming for a more fluid, possession‑based style that can generate chances without sacrificing defensive integrity.
The manager now has a deeper squad to rotate, giving him the flexibility to adjust personnel without a dramatic drop in quality. However, the immediate priority is to shore up the defensive unit, especially with Saliba unavailable. The upcoming fixtures will be a litmus test for how quickly Arteta can restore confidence at the back. Looking ahead, the Gunners will have the full complement of World Cup‑winning and England‑capped players rejoining the squad this week.
Arteta’s first major challenge will be to address the newly exposed chink in Arsenal’s defensive armour while maintaining the attacking flair that fans have come to expect. If he can tighten the back line without relying on Saliba, the team will be better positioned to defend their title and compete on multiple fronts throughout the season.
In summary, Arsenal’s pre‑season has highlighted a defensive weakness that could prove costly if not remedied promptly. The combination of injuries, tactical adjustments, and the integration of new signings creates a complex puzzle for Arteta. The Community Shield will serve as an early barometer of progress, but the real test will come once the Premier League campaign kicks off, where every goal conceded can make the difference between triumph and disappointment.