Arsenal faced another setback in pre-season with a 3-2 defeat against Borussia Dortmund, marking their second consecutive loss ahead of their Premier League title defence. The match, part of the Emirates Cup, showcased a festive atmosphere as fans welcomed new signing Bruno Guimaraes, but the Gunners struggled defensively.

Despite the return of captain Martin Odegaard and defender Gabriel Magalhaes, Arsenal conceded two quick goals before half-time from Dortmund’s Samuele Inacio and Konstantinos Karetsas. They had previously lost 3-1 to Real Betis just days before, raising questions about their defensive solidity.

Key highlights include:

• Ethan Nwaneri scored, briefly giving Arsenal hope, but Joane Gadou extended Dortmund's lead shortly after.
• Late in the game, Viktor Gyokeres converted a penalty, but Gabriel Martinelli had a stoppage-time goal disallowed for offside.

Head coach Mikel Arteta faces a dilemma as the team prepares for their final pre-season match against Como on Wednesday, followed by the Community Shield against Manchester City. With injuries to William Saliba and Jurrien Timber, Arsenal's defensive options are limited, raising concerns about their readiness for the upcoming season.

On a brighter note, Christos Tzolis displayed promise, contributing to both goals and showcasing his skills in attack. As the squad prepares to reunite, including key players like Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice, Arteta hopes to bolster the team's performance ahead of their Premier League opener against Coventry City.