Arsenal Fans Ecstatic after Viktor Gyokeres’ Goal, Manchester United Showdown
- Arsenal fans were delighted with their team's performance against Athletic Club, their last friendly before the new season
- The Gunners won 3-0 days after losing to Villarreal, a game which sparked criticism from the fans
- The Gunners will kick off their season against Manchester United next weekend, aiming to win the Premier League again
After a 3-2 pre-season loss to Villarreal that left Arsenal fans questioning Mikel Arteta, optimism has returned following their victory over Athletic Bilbao.
Source: Getty Images
Arsenal fans were eager to see new signings like Viktor Gyökeres back at the Emirates after a goalless performance against Villarreal. He scored one of the Gunners' goals in their 3-0 victory over Athletic Club on Saturday, August 9.
The Gunners have been busy in the transfer market after another trophyless season. They finished second in the Premier League for the third season in a row.
What happened in Arsenal vs Villarreal?
The Gunners came into the match after concluding their pre-season tour of Asia with a loss to bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
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In the 16th minute, Mikel Arteta’s team was stunned. Their former player, Nicolas Pepe, scored against the run of play. The ball struck the post, and Pepe capitalised and gave the La Liga side the lead.
Etta Eyong added a second for Villarreal in the 33rd minute before new signing Christian Norgaard pulled one back for the Gunners.
In the second half, Arsenal began strongly but were hit with a quick counter-attack, which resulted in Arnaut Danjuma scoring a third for the visitors.
Martin Odegaard scored a second for Arsenal in the 76th minute, but the Gunners couldn’t overturn the deficit and give their fans a win.
Gyokeres started the game and lasted 66 minutes before he was withdrawn. Fans weren’t happy with how Mikel Arteta and the Gunners players played with the Swede.
“I think the result is painful. I think they were super efficient but we've been naive, especially the way we have defended in open spaces and that's something that, especially the way we play, we have to absolutely nail. Today we haven't been good at all in that department and that has cost us the game for sure,” Arteta said after the game.
What happened in Arsenal vs Athletic Club?
The Gunners were hoping to conclude their pre-season friendlies on a positive note before facing Manchester United at Old Trafford in their season opener.
Against Bilbao, Gyokeres scored in the 34th minute before Bukayo Saka made it 2-0 before halftime. Kai Havertz added another late in the second half to give Arsenal an impressive win.
It was a good audition for Arsenal's new signings before the season kicks off.
What did Arsenal fans say about beating Athletic Club?
Gunners fans were not happy with how Mikel Arteta used his squad against Villarreal, but are now excited after the Athletic Club game.
@_PhilCosta
"Much better performance from Arsenal and some nice tactical bits. Calafiori almost playing left eight, with Rice and Zubimendi in a more natural double pivot - Zubi oozes class in every phase of play. Great for Gyokeres to get his first goal as well. Much more fluid and fun. 🤝."
Source: Getty Images
@PhilosophyTBG:
"Zubimendi will change Arteta’s life."
@sirrenstein:
"That’s why I love Arteta. Because just when he leaves you completely confused, the next match he makes you believe in his wildest dreams again."
@ranzafc:
"Gyokeres changed our life man it’s been 5+ years since we had a clinical striker man the feeling is amazing 😭❤️."
@now_arsenaI:
"We have arrived."
Supercomputer predicts Premier League winner
In a related story, TUKO.co.ke reported that Opta's supercomputer predicted the 2025/26 Premier League title.
Liverpool are the leading favourites with a 28.5% chance of winning it again after their triumph last campaign.
The Gunners were given a 24.3% chance to win after falling short in the last three years.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
