Ex-Arsenal Star Pepe Stuns Emirates with Sublime Goal in Villarreal Pre-Season Triumph
Arsenal vs Villarreal: Pre-Season Friendly Highlights
By Michael Pavitt and Isaan Khan | Updated: 18:35 BST, 6 August 2025
Arsenal hosted Villarreal in a pre-season friendly at the Emirates Stadium, offering fans a glimpse of preparations ahead of the new campaign. The match saw a surprising performance from former Gunner Nicolas Pépé, who stunned the home crowd with a sublime first-half goal.
First Half: Pépé Haunts Arsenal
Villarreal’s Pépé, who spent five seasons at Arsenal before leaving in 2023, opened the scoring in the 28th minute. Cutting inside from the right, the Ivorian curled a left-footed strike past goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, silencing the Emirates crowd. Pépé’s celebration was subdued, acknowledging his connection to the club, but the goal highlighted Arsenal’s lingering defensive vulnerabilities.
Mikel Arteta fielded a mix of first-team regulars and young talents. Declan Rice anchored midfield, while Gabriel Jesus led the attack. Despite early pressure from the hosts, Villarreal’s organized defense limited clear chances.
Second Half: Arsenal Struggle for Fluency
Arteta made multiple changes at halftime, introducing Emile Smith Rowe and new signing winger Alejandro Sánchez. However, Arsenal struggled to break down Villarreal’s compact setup. Jesús’ close-range effort was saved in the 63rd minute, while Bukayo Saka’s driven cross narrowly missed connecting with Leandro Trossard.
Villarreal nearly doubled their lead through Gerard Moreno, but Ramsdale’s sharp save kept Arsenal in the game.
Post-Match Reactions
Arteta admitted post-match that his squad’s lack of clinical edge was concerning: “We created opportunities but didn’t take them. It’s a reminder that we need to be sharper.”
Pépé, meanwhile, received warm applause from home fans when substituted late on. “It’s always emotional to play here,” he said. “But today was about preparing for our season.”
Key Takeaways
- Defensive Gaps: Arsenal’s backline looked shaky against Villarreal’s counterattacks, emphasizing the need for reinforcements before the transfer window closes.
- Midfield Balance: Rice impressed, but a lack of creativity in the final third remains an issue.
- Young Stars: Academy product Ethan Nwaneri, 17, showcased promise in a brief cameo.
Final Score: Arsenal 0-1 Villarreal
What’s Next?
Arsenal face Manchester City in the Community Shield this weekend, offering a chance to build momentum. Villarreal begin their La Liga campaign against Valencia on August 18.
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Images sourced from Daily Mail. Stats via Opta.
