Viktor Gyokeres flatters to deceive as former star haunts Arsenal

Arsenal continued their pre-season preparations with a 3-2 defeat against Villarreal, though there were some causes for optimism. The match brought a first Gunners start for Viktor Gyokeres after his big-money move from Sporting CP, but the striker wasn't able to mark the occasion with a goal. 

Nicolas Pepe came back to haunt his former club, with his shot possibly clipping team-mate Karl Etta Eyong on its way into the Gunners net. Bukayo Saka threatened a quick leveller, forcing a low save from goalkeeper Luiz Junior after cutting inside, but Eyong doubled the visitors lead when he followed up after a big David Raya save. 
Christian Norgaard got one back for the Gunners, but it was Villarreal who led at the break. Mikel Arteta changed things up at the break. with Norgaard making way for Martin Zubimendi and fellow new boy Cristhian Mosquera coming on for Ben White. 

A further flurry of changes appeared to disrupt Arsenal's momentum, and Arnaut Danjuma restored the visitors' two-goal advantage. Martin Odegaard reduced the deficit from the penalty spot, but Arsenal couldn't find a third - despite Dowman continuing to pose a threat as he continues his impressive pre-season.

There was a penalty shoot-out at full-time despite the result, with Arsenal losing that too after Noni Madueke's effort was saved.. The Gunners have one more friendly before beginning their Premier League campaign against Manchester United eight days later, and here are Mirror Football's talking points from the Gunners' penultimate pre-season game.