Arsenal tasted defeat for the second match running on Wednesday evening as they were beaten 3-2 by Villarreal at the Emirates. The visitors came into the affair winless in four pre-season outings, but fought hard for their first victory of the summer, defending valiantly under heavy pressure for much of the match.

Arsenal's preparations for the upcoming English Premier League campaign continue on Wednesday as the north London club returns to home turf to take on La Liga outfit Villarreal in the first match of the Emirates Cup preseason tournament.

Arsenal Return Home to Face Villarreal in Pre-Season ShowpieceFresh Faces Set for Emirates DebutsThere is a particular rhythm to pre-season, and tonight at the Emirates, Arsenal and Villarreal will

Arsenal were naive in their defending and paid a painful price, manager Mikel Arteta said after his side's 3-2 friendly defeat against Villarreal left them with back-to-back pre-season losses.

Viktor Gyökeres' first start in an Arsenal shirt couldn't prevent his new club from suffering a 3-2 preseason to defeat to Villarreal on Wednesday after a performance manager Mikel Arteta branded as "naive.

Gyokeres was quick to get his shot off, but from a tight angle, Villarreal goalkeeper Luiz Junior was able to keep it out. Other than that, Gyokeres was largely quiet as he made his first start for Arsenal.