Arsenal stumble past Real Betis in Dublin warm-up

The Gunners' afternoon unravelled from an unfortunate start at the Aviva Stadium, where Kepa Arrizabalaga failed to deal with a corner, leaving Rodrigo Riquelme free to tap in at the back post. Nelson Deossa then compounded Arsenal's misery with a long-range strike before the hosts pulled level through Piero Hincapie, who headed home an inswinging Christos Tzolis corner.

Real Betis restored their lead when Pablo Fornals capitalised on a Kai Havertz error to finish low into the corner, and Arsenal never recovered. Manager Mikel Arteta introduced Gabriel and Gabriel Martinelli in the second half for cameo appearances, yet the Gunners lacked the cutting edge to mount a comeback, according to Sky Sports.

Arsenal fielded a squad notably without Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard and other players involved at the World Cup. The friendly precedes continued transfer activity, with the club having agreed a £75m fee with Newcastle for midfielder Bruno Guimaraes. The defeat suggests work remains before the new season, particularly in defensive solidity during transitions.