Arsenal were beaten 3-2 at the Emirates by Aston Villa just a week out from their Premier League opener.
The Gunners play Fulham at Craven Cottage next Saturday as Mikel Arteta begins a campaign for the first time as manager.
And he was able to give a host of first team stars a run out on what is a weekend of international fixtures.
Douglas Luiz opened the scoring for Aston Villa at the Emirates before the hosts pegged them back courtesy of a Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang strike before the interval.
Jacob Ramsey restored Villa's lead before the prolific Aubameyang again levelled things up, this time from the penalty spot.
But Ramsey's second of the contest ensured the visitors returned north with the victory.
Villa beat Arsenal in the penultimate game of last season which proved crucial to them cementing their Premier League status.
The north Londoners welcomed back Dani Ceballos on Friday for another loan spell at the Emirates.
He was one of several regulars to get some vital minutes ahead of next week's London derby.
Another was Mesut Ozil, who has been a peripheral figures in recent months.
The German failed to play a single minute once the Premier League restarted with doubting continuing to swirl over his future, although he did celebrate his seven year anniversary at the club earlier this week.
Summer signing William was another of those to start in the defeat.
Arsenal are looking to play one more friendly before the season gets underway having started with a morale boosting Community Shield victory over Liverpool.
