Arsenal were comfortably beaten 3-1 by Real Betis in Dublin in their second pre-season match following a string of errors in the first-half.
Kepa Arrizabalaga’s poor display brought his place in the squad into question, before a number of changes in the second-half slowed things down.
The Gunners will take on Borussia Dortmund and Como in the rest of pre-season before the Community Shield, and then their Premier League title defence will kick off at home to Coventry.
Daily Mail Sport’s ISAAN KHAN was at the Aviva Stadium to run the rule over the game.
Kepa could lose spot
The signing of Illan Meslier as Arsenal’s third choice goalkeeper took most by surprise.
With the established Arrizabalaga as No 2, a potential pathway didn’t seem clear for Meslier.
Arsenal were beaten 3-1 by LaLiga side Real Betis in their latest pre-season outing in Ireland
Arsenal were beaten 3-1 by LaLiga side Real Betis in their latest pre-season outing in Ireland
Kepa Arrizabalaga was at fault for at least one of the goals and could lose his place as No 2
Kepa Arrizabalaga was at fault for at least one of the goals and could lose his place as No 2
TRENDING
Though the reasons for the Frenchman’s signing looked clear as day on the basis of this display against Real Betis.
For the Spanish team’s first goal on nine minutes, Kepa aimlessly charged out, flapping at Pablo Garcia’s corner kick and completely missing it.
It landed to Rodrigo Riquelme at the back post, who chested the ball down and struck it home.
The second goal he conceded, a stunning long-range strike from Nelson Deossa, was not an error. But the lead up was, his poor clearance eventually finding Deossa to score.
The Spaniard was beaten by another impressive shot from outside the area just before half-time, Pablo Fornals making the score 3-1 after Piero Hincapie’s headed goal.
This match isn’t an isolated example, either. Take the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City in March, where a Kepa howler paved the way to Arsenal’s defeat.
At the level Arsenal are at, hunting for silverware across a myriad of competitions next season, they can ill-afford an error-prone No 2.
Mikel Arteta has shown his ruthlessness with goalkeepers before, as seen by the Aaron Ramsdale and David Raya saga, Ramsdale eventually sold on.
Selling Kepa would not be controversial and make sense if a plausible offer came in.
Tommy Setford, 20, was third-choice keeper last season and could do the same job this time round.
A confused Gunners defence shipped two goals and frailties opened up at the back
A confused Gunners defence shipped two goals and frailties opened up at the back
A confused defence
Pre-season friendlies may not officially count, though certain frailties can emerge.
A glaring one reared its head in Dublin – a confused defence, unsure whether to commit or stand off.
For two of Betis’ goals, the backline’s decision to drop off allowed Deossa and Fornals’ shots to sail in from distance.
The lack of cohesion was improved in the second period with the introduction of Gabriel.
The wider gap stands, though – without William Saliba, Arsenal’s defence is noticeably weaker.
Piero Hincapie looked particularly lost in positioning, the left back accustomed to a different slot.
It is hard to switch between the two positions, in fairness, with both roles rather different.
Still, it reflects just why Arsenal are keen to bring in a centre back this summer.
It’s an area that needs bolstering in a squad hunting for trophies across a myriad of competitions next season.
A role for Nwaneri?
There is some player in Ethan Nwaneri – which is why Arsenal haven’t let him go thus far.
The magic he holds in his boots is clear. He danced away, evading players to effortlessly place through balls to his team-mates.
The Betis backline retreated, Nwaneri making it clear his willingness to proceed in one direction: forward.
Early on, the teenager put a tackle in and wriggled away to get his team forward.
Later, there were other forays which put the opposition on alert. His tight dribbling skill at pace is hard to contain when the forward is on song.
Though, the context must be remembered, the 19-year-old’s career having frozen somewhat. He was loaned to Marseille in January this year under Roberto de Zerbi, who rated the teenager.
Though once De Zerbi was sacked the following month, with Habib Beye shunting Nwaneri to the bench.
He is now taking his opportunities and leaves Arteta with a conundrum for the weeks ahead.
Ethan Nwaneri is now taking his opportunities and Mikel Arteta must now make a decision on his future
Ethan Nwaneri is now taking his opportunities and Mikel Arteta must now make a decision on his future
The forward line
The battle for Arsenal’s No 9 slot is up for grabs.
Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz barely played together last season because of Havertz’s knee issues.
Will Arsenal successfully defend their Premier League title?
Arteta’s preference last season was the German as the main No9 with Gyokeres complementing him, before the enforced change transpired.
It remains to be seen how Arteta goes about this conundrum for the next campaign.
On two minutes, Havertz charged into the area and squared the ball to Gyokeres who dithered, his shot saved by Alvaro Valles.
The Swede ought to have done better and didn’t make an impression in his display.
Havertz didn’t pull up trees, either, but has now started consecutive matches which is promising after his previous fitness record.
Both players have a battle on their hands to seize the top spot.
