Arsenal was naive in their defense and paid a painful price, said manager Mikel Arteta after the 3-2 friendly defeat of his team against Villarreal had left them with consecutive pre-season losses.
Arsenal, which started their preparations for the new season with victories on AC Milan and Newcastle United before losing against the Rivaux of London Tottenham Hotspur, met 2-0 in 33 minutes against the Spanish side Villarreal in the Emirates on Wednesday.
“Today, I think the result is painful. I think they were super effective but we were naive, especially the way we defended in open spaces and it is something that, especially the way we play, we must absolutely nail”, ” Arteta told journalists.
“Today, we have not been at all in this department at all and it cost us the game for sure.”
Arteta, however, was satisfied with what he saw of striker Viktor Gyokerres, who ended his passage of 63.5 million euros (74.14 million dollars) of Sporting last month, after having given the 27 -year -old Swedish his first departure in an Arsenal shirt.
“I think it was very important for him to start a match and start having the feeling and the connection with the team”, “ Arteta said.
“It was only about us with us only, but I really saw a lot of things and a lot of goal, especially the way in which he attacked certain spaces.”
Arteta also praised the very well rated praise of 15 years attacking the midfielder Max Dowman, who won a penalty for Arsenal.
“He continues to impress, without a doubt. The impact he had in the game again today, the efficiency he shows in each attack and action is incredible,” Spanish added.
