Arsenal lose 3-2 to Dortmund in Emirates Cup

Arsenal's defensive frailties were exposed in a 3-2 defeat to Borussia Dortmund in the Emirates Cup at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, August 9, 2026, raising concerns just one week before their Community Shield clash with Manchester City. The loss, which followed a 3-1 friendly defeat to Real Betis earlier in the week, highlighted ongoing issues that manager Mikel Arteta must address before the Premier League season begins.

The Gunners fell behind early when Cristhian Mosquera allowed Samuele Inacio to get behind him and score in the sixth minute. Arsenal's midfield was then bypassed as Konstantinos Karetsas curled a shot into the top corner to make it 2-0 before the half-hour mark. Ethan Nwaneri pulled a goal back for Arsenal early in the second half, but Joane Gadou restored Dortmund's two-goal advantage shortly after. Viktor Gyokeres scored from the penalty spot to reduce the deficit to 3-2, but Arsenal could not find an equalizer, with a late Gabriel Martinelli goal disallowed for offside.

The defeat underscored the team's need for reinforcements, particularly in defense. William Saliba is expected to be sidelined for several months with an injury, while Jurrien Timber...