Arsenal suffered a second consecutive pre-season defeat ahead of the start of their Premier League title defence as clinical Borussia Dortmund won the Emirates Cup with a 3-2 victory.
New signing Bruno Guimaraes was unveiled to the Arsenal fans before kick-off and there was a party atmosphere as the Gunners returned to the Emirates for the first time since lifting the Premier League title in May.
Captain Martin Odegaard returned for the first time since the World Cup and Gabrel Magalhaes started in defence, but sharp finishes from the visitors’ Samuele Inacio and Konstantinos Karetsas left Arsenal two goals down before half-time.
Arsenal were beaten 3-1 by Real Betis In Dublin on Wednesday and quickly found themselves trailing by the same scoreline when Joane Gadou bundled in from a corner moments after Ethan Nwaneri had pulled one back.
Viktor Gyokeres gave Arsenal some late hope from the penalty spot before Arteta made further changes, introducing several players from the club’s academy. Gabriel Martinelli had the ball in the net in stoppage time but was given offside.
Arteta’s team will be back in action against Como on Wednesday, their final pre-season fixture before facing Manchester City in the Community Shield in Cardiff next Sunday and Coventry City in their Premier League opener the following Friday.
Follow live updates from Arsenal v Borussia Dortmund in the Emirates Cup, below
Arsenal v Borussia Dortmund: Latest Emirates Cup updates
- Arsenal concede another three goals in Emirates Cup defeat to Borussia Dortmund
- 90+2' NO GOAL! Gabriel Martinelli eqauliser ruled out for offside (ARS 2-3 DOR)
- 69' GOAL! Gyokeres penalty gives Arsenal hope before raft of changes (ARS 2-3 DOR)
- 55' GOAL! Joane Gadou bundles in Dortmund's third from corner (ARS 1-3 DOR)
- 53' GOAL! Ethan Nwaneri sweeps in Christos Tzolis cross (ARS 1-2 DOR)
- 29' GOAL! Konstantinos Karetsas stunner doubles Dortmund lead (ARS 0-2 DOR)
- 6' GOAL! Samuele Inacio fires Dortmund ahead early (ARS 0-1 DOR)
- Gunners unveil new signing Bruno Guimaraes ahead of kick-off
What next for Arsenal and Mikel Arteta?
16:58 , Jamie Braidwood
Speaking after the 3-2 defeat to Borussia Dortmund, Mikel Arteta confirmed he will have all his squad together on Monday for the first time since the World Cup. That means the likes of Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice will be back in training, as well as Spain’s Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi. They will not be rushed back into action ahead of Arsenal’s final pre-season test against Como on Wednesday, but Bruno Guimaraes could be available for his debut ahead of Saturday’s Community Shield against Manchester City.
Christos Tzolis impresses on left side of Arsenal's attack
16:51 , Jamie Braidwood
With the news that Vinicius Jr will be staying at Real Madrid, there may be an opportunity on the left side of Arsenal’s attack for new arrival Christos Tzolis after all. Certainly, the 24-year-old Greek has hit the ground running in his bid to replace Leandro Trossard’s impact in north London and produced another couple of decisive attacking contributions in the defeat to Dortmund.
This was a bright display from the former Club Brugge attacker. He combined an impressive defensive workrate, with some key moments of tracking back to cut out Dortmund counter-attacks, with an ability to beat his defender and create space around the box in the attacking third. A couple of flashes, in particular, showcased an ability to get the ball from out of his feet and deliver into the box.
He set up Ethan Nwaneri’s goal in the second half with a sharp pull-back, then was in the right place to pop up in the box and win Arsenal’s penalty - converted by Victor Gyokeres. Tzolis also took a several of Arsenal’s set-pieces after Martin Odegaard’s 30-minute cameo was up, only that may not continue once he also has Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and even Bruno Guimaraes ahead of him in the queue.
Still, this was another encouraging display from Arsenal’s only attacking recruit of the transfer window. While the Gunners are reported to be turning their attention to other star names - such as highjacking Liverpool’s bid for Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola - Tzolis is currently winning the race with Gabriel Martinelli to start the season as the piece alongside Gyokeres and Saka in attack.
Post-match thoughts: Some concern in defence?
16:30 , Jamie Braidwood
Sure, it’s only pre-season, but Arsenal’s defensive performance in their last two outings is a concern ahead of the new campaign. Arsenal only conceded three goals once last season, in a 3-2 defeat to Manchester United, but have now shipped in three in back-to-back games following defeats to Real Betis and Borussia Dortmund.
The worry for Mikel Arteta is that he had what could be his starting back-four in place against Dortmund. While David Raya is yet to return, Arsenal started with Gabriel Magalhaes and Cristhian Mosquera at centre-back and Riccardo Calafiori and Ben White at full-back. Unless the champions turn to the market with William Saliba and Jurrien Timber injured, that’s as strong as Arsenal will be able to go over the first few weeks of the season.
Dortmund were clinical in attack in the first half but Arsenal also afforded the visitors too much room. First, Samuele Inacio slipped off the back off Gabriel and had the run on Mosquera as he fired the early opener past Kepa Arrizabalaga. The 18-year-old winger Karetsas then curled a brilliant strike beyond Kepa to double Arsenal’s lead, but again the defending from Arteta’s side left too much space around the box.
Real Betis also scored a stunner in midweek, but this was also the second game in a row where Arsenal conceded from a corner. After the near-post delivery was not cleared, Joane Gadou bundled in a sloppy and avoidable third for Dortmund. The fact that Arsenal switched off just a couple of minutes after Ethan Nwaneri had pulled one back will also be a source of frustration.
Arsenal’s defensive record was outstanding last season but it needs to sharper up as the new campaign approaches.
What next for Arsenal?
16:08 , Jamie Braidwood
It’s Como on Wednesday. Too soon for the likes of Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka? At this stage, yes, but could Bruno Guimaraes make his debut in midfield?
Then, it’s on to the Community Shield against Manchester City on Saturday. City won 3-1 against Atletico Madrid to round off their pre-season tour of Asia.
FULL TIME! Arsenal 2-3 Borussia Dortmund
16:03 , Jamie Braidwood
... but Arsenal win the penalty shoot-out!
After six penalties were scored in a row, Illan Meslier saved from Mathis Albert.
Gabriel Jesus, Fabio Viera, Piero Hincapie and Gabriel Martinelli scored for Arsenal.
Leaving Ethan Nwaneri to win the shoot-out, 5-4.
Mikel Arteta’s side have practiced their spot-kicks. 100% from the spot.
FULL TIME! Arsenal 2-3 Borussia Dortmund
15:56 , Jamie Braidwood
I suppose Arsenal could have a penalty shootout against Manchester City in the Emirates Cup, and its’s preparation for the season ahead. Illan Meslier gets an opportunity in goal during the shootout.
FULL TIME! Arsenal 2-3 Borussia Dortmund
15:53 , Jamie Braidwood
An improved performance in the second half from Arsenal but conceding another sloppy goal cost them. Borussia Dortmund win the Emirates Cup and now Arsenal turn their attention to Wednesday’s final pre-season warm-up against Como.
Bizarrely, there will now be a penalty shootout.
NO GOAL! Arsenal 2-3 Borussia Dortmund
15:53 , Jamie Braidwood
Gabriel Martinelli has the ball in the net but he’s given offside! Arsenal took a short corner and Jesus flicks to Martinelli, who then finishes under Alexander Meyer. But the assistant referee Sian Massey-Ellis, who is retiring after this game, raises her flag! There is no VAR to check.
Arsenal 2-3 Borussia Dortmund
15:49 , Jamie Braidwood
90 mins: We’re into three minutes of stoppage time. Fabio Viera goes for the chip from 30 yards when he had Gabriel Martinelli as an option. Not sure what he’s up to there.
Arsenal 2-3 Borussia Dortmund
15:47 , Jamie Braidwood
88 mins: Dortmund looking to waste some seconds from a throw-in. Come on, folks.
Arsenal 2-3 Borussia Dortmund
15:42 , Jamie Braidwood
83 mins: Gabriel Jesus looks to turn in the box but runs out of pitch. It felt as if Arsenal put a lot of energy into the spell shortly before the hydration break, with the changes now taking their momentum out of the game.
Arsenal 2-3 Borussia Dortmund
15:37 , Jamie Braidwood
76 mins: We’ve reached the second hydration break (it’s hot), which will trigger another wave of changes from both teams.
From an Arsenal perspective, Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, Fabio Viera, Ceadach O'Neill, Ife Ibrahim and Josh Ogunnaike are on.
That’s a whole raft of changes. Going off: Gyokeres, Dowman, Tzolis, Lewis-Skelly, Havertz, White,
A good opportunity for some of the youngsters, though.
Arsenal 2-3 Borussia Dortmund
15:34 , Jamie Braidwood
75 mins: That’s fine work from Arsenal youngster Salmon to win his challenge with Guirassy, who was through on goal.
At the other end, Gyokeres has given the Dortmund defence a proper workout today, with Gadou left gasping after a bursting run from the Swede.
Arsenal 2-3 Borussia Dortmund
15:31 , Jamie Braidwood
72 mins: This is now pretty intense and lively from Arsenal. They are going to go for this. A smart move almost releases Nwaneri but Ramy Bensebaini recovered to make the challenge just outside the box.
GOAL! Arsenal 2-3 Borussia Dortmund (GYOKERES 69' PEN)
15:27 , Jamie Braidwood
Gyokeres keeps Arsenal’s hopes of a comeback alive! The striker sends the goalkeeper the wrong way with a penalty low into the bottom right corner.
It was clumsy defending in the box from Dortmund but interesting to note that Tzolis was involved again in the attacking third.
PENALTY! Arsenal 1-3 Borussia Dortmund
15:27 , Jamie Braidwood
Tzolis is caught in the box and Gyokeres will have the chance to pull another back...
Arsenal 1-3 Borussia Dortmund
15:26 , Jamie Braidwood
66 mins: Arsenal conceded three goals just once last season (in a 3-2 defeat to Manchester United in January).
They have conceded three goals twice in two games against Real Betis and Borussia Dortmund.
Arsenal 1-3 Borussia Dortmund
15:23 , Jamie Braidwood
63 mins: There was a flurry of changes on the hour, which appear to all be pre-planned.
Piero Hincapie and Marli Salmon are on for Arsenal, with Gabriel Magalhaes and Riccardo Calafiori replaced.
Dortmund have made changes too and have thrown on some of their experienced names, such as Marcel Sabitzer and top striker Serhou Guirassy.
GOAL! Arsenal 1-3 Borussia Dortmund (Gadou 55')
15:16 , Jamie Braidwood
Another sloppy goal for Arsenal to concede! Dortmund bundle in from the corner and reclaim their two-goal lead!
Fabio Silva manages to keep the ball alive as it bounces in the box. It falls to Joane Gadou and his low strike rebounds off Havertz and over the line.
Arsenal concede three goals for the second game in a row.
GOAL! Arsenal 1-2 Borussia Dortmund (NWANERI 53')
15:13 , Jamie Braidwood
Arsenal have one back! Tzolis pulls it back to Nwaneri to fire home! The move started on the right as White squeezed a cross into the box but it went over Gyokeres.
Tzolis kept the move alive. The winger beat his man and fired the ball across the face of goal. There was Nwaneri to sweep in and get Arsenal back into the game.
Arsenal 0-2 Borussia Dortmund
15:11 , Jamie Braidwood
52 mins: A sharp touch from Tzolis appeared to launch an Arsenal counter attack but Gyokeres’ pass to Dowman was cut out by the referee Kavanagh, who, rather bizarrely, doesn’t pull back the play.
Arsenal 0-2 Borussia Dortmund
15:07 , Jamie Braidwood
48 mins: CHANCE! Lovely play again from Dowman, who creates an opening for Ben White after a flowing Arsenal move. The right back tries to find the near post but Meyer palms it wide. Dortmund clear the corner.
Arsenal 0-2 Borussia Dortmund
15:06 , Jamie Braidwood
46 mins: Felix Nmecha curls over the bar for Dortmund. The Bundesliga starts a couple of weeks after the Premier League but the German side are looking very sharp here.
Arsenal 0-2 Borussia Dortmund
15:03 , Jamie Braidwood
Illan Meslier is replacing Kepa Arrizabalaga at the break while Dortmund are bringing on Carney Chukwuemeka, formerly of Chelsea.
We’re back underway at the Emirates.
HALF TIME! Arsenal 0-2 Borussia Dortmund
14:58 , Jamie Braidwood
Arsenal’s substitutes bench ahead of the second half. We should see Hincapie and Martinielli, but how about some of the youngsters?
Meslier, Setford, Hincapie, Jesus, Martinielli, Vieira, Nelson, Ibrahim, Kabia, Ogunnaike, Julienne, O'Neill, Salmono
HALF TIME! Arsenal 0-2 Borussia Dortmund
14:53 , Jamie Braidwood
It started with the unveiling of Bruno Guimaraes but sharp finishes from Samuele Inacio and Konstantinos Karetsas have rather flattened the atmosphere at the Emirates.
Viktor Gyokeres hit the bar and Martin Odegaard was bright in his 30-minute cameo, but Dortmund look like they have a real gem on their hands in Karetsas, the 18-year-old winger.
HALF TIME! Arsenal 0-2 Borussia Dortmund
14:49 , Jamie Braidwood
Arsenal are two goals down in a pre-season for the second time this week. There have been some bright moments, but Borussia Dortmund have been very sharp in attack and have taken their chances excellently.
Arsenal 0-2 Borussia Dortmund
14:47 , Jamie Braidwood
45 mins: Tzolis creates some space to deliver a cross into the box but Dortmund clear. The Greek has been bright on the left and shown some good touches.
Gabriel, meanwhile, goes into the book for a foul on Karetsas. The Arsenal captain got the ball but raised his leg in the follow through.
Arsenal 0-2 Borussia Dortmund
14:44 , Jamie Braidwood
43 mins: Another set-piece for Tzolis (with Rice, Saka, Odegaard and Guimaraes not involved). His free-kick finds Havertz, who was free. But the German’s header is easily saved.
Then, a nice move involving White on the overlapping sets up Havert, but White had gone too early and was offside.
Arsenal 0-2 Borussia Dortmund
14:41 , Jamie Braidwood
40 mins: Great play from Tzolis. After breaking up the Dortmund attack, he leads the charge down the other end and releases Gyokeres.
The striker goes down far too easily, though, and referee Chris Kavanagh waves it away.
Arsenal 0-2 Borussia Dortmund
14:40 , Jamie Braidwood
39 mins: Tzolis takes a free-kick from the byline after a foul on Dowman and it finds the arriving Gabriel, but the big centre-back heads over. That was a chance for him.
Arsenal 0-2 Borussia Dortmund
14:39 , Jamie Braidwood
37 mins: Arsenal currently have Myles Lewis-Skelly, Ethan Nwaneri and Max Dowman on the pitch. All incredibly bright talents.
Of the three, Nwaneri faces the most competition for a place in Arteta’s plans this season. He was out on loan at Marseille in the second half of last season.
Arsenal 0-2 Borussia Dortmund
14:35 , Jamie Braidwood
33 mins: Mikel Arteta gathers his players on the touchline. This is only pre-season, but I’m sure the Arsenal manager is far from pleased with some aspects of Arsenal’s play out of possession today.
Martin Odegaard’s afternoon is up. His first start after the World Cup lasts 30 minutes, which I’m sure was always the plan. He looked bright though and was involved in a few dangerous moments.
Ethan Nwaneri is on.
GOAL! Arsenal 0-2 Borussia Dortmund (Karetsas 29' )
14:30 , Jamie Braidwood
It’s TWO for Dortmund! And it’s a stunner from Konstantinos Karetsas! What a wonderful finish this is, but it’s sloppy defending again from Arsenal.
The yellow shirts fly forward and Gabriel afford Karetsas far too much room. The 18-year-old makes no mistake, though, firing a stunning strike into the top corner.
Arsenal 0-1 Borussia Dortmund
14:27 , Jamie Braidwood
26 mins: OFF THE BAR! Lovely work from Dowman to get away from Beier with a superb first touch. It’s then pulled back to Gyokeres, but he hammers the top of the bar from the angle. Close.
Arsenal 0-1 Borussia Dortmund
14:26 , Jamie Braidwood
25 mins: A couple of half-chances at either end. Daniel Svensson gets round the outside of Calafiori and heads wide, then Odegaard sets up another chance for Gyokeres, but he can’t find the target.
Arsenal 0-1 Borussia Dortmund
14:21 , Jamie Braidwood
20 mins: CHANCE! It should be 1-1. I’m not sure how it’s not. Havertz should square to Gyokeres for a tap-in but Meyer easily collects. Nice through pass from Odegaard to create the space.
Arsenal 0-1 Borussia Dortmund
14:20 , Jamie Braidwood
19 mins: From a short throw, Tzolis whips in a dangerous cross towards Gabriel, but Dortmund are able to clear for a corner. The ball in creates some havoc but Dortmund survive.
Arsenal 0-1 Borussia Dortmund
14:18 , Jamie Braidwood
18 mins: Gyokeres goes for full power and smashes the free kick miles over.
Arsenal 0-1 Borussia Dortmund
14:18 , Jamie Braidwood
15 mins: Arsenal suddenly explode into life after some patient build-up play! Gyokeres plays a lovely flick to Odegaard, who is then hacked down on the edge of the box! That’s a clear free-kick, while the Dortmund defender Filippo Mane avoids further punishment.
Clever from Gyokeres, though, and the free-kick is in a dangerous position.
Arsenal 0-1 Borussia Dortmund
14:13 , Jamie Braidwood
12 mins: Arsenal have yet to get going after falling behind. Jobe Bellingham is a little late on Havertz in midfield. His older brother Jude is said to be at the Emirates watching this afternoon.
Arsenal 0-1 Borussia Dortmund
14:11 , Jamie Braidwood
Arsenal have to pick themselves up here for the second time in a week. They also fell behind to Real Betis in Dublin on Wednesday.
Cristhian Mosquera, who is set to start the season in defence after William Saliba’s injury, appeared to lose the run of Inacio before he fired Dortmund ahead.
GOAL! Arsenal 0-1 Borussia Dortmund (Samuele Inacio 6')
14:07 , Jamie Braidwood
WOW! Dortmund lead! It’s a lovely goal. Silva finds Nmecha, who slips through a clever ball to the youngster Inacio. The 18-year-old fires a low finish past Kepa.
Arsenal are behind at home.
Arsenal 0-0 Borussia Dortmund
14:06 , Jamie Braidwood
5 mins: A spell of possession for Dortmund. Havertz is dropping very deep when out of possession, alongside Lewis-Skelly.
A dangerous Dortmund move sees a ball put across the face of goal. Tzolis has to track back and help it behind.
Arsenal 0-0 Borussia Dortmund
14:04 , Jamie Braidwood
2 mins: Almost a goal! Odegaard’s corner bounces up off the defender Mane and goalkeeper Meyer has to tip it over. Dortmund clear at the second attempt.
Arsenal 0-0 Borussia Dortmund
14:03 , Jamie Braidwood
A bright start for Arsenal with plenty of movement and interchanges down the right. Gyokeres wins a corner and Odegaard will take.
KICK-OFF! Arsenal 0-0 Borussia Dortmund
14:01 , Jamie Braidwood
North London forever rings out around the Emirates. The visitors get us underway in the afternoon heat.
Bruno Guimaraes introduced to Arsenal crowd
13:57 , Jamie Braidwood
Chants of “Bruno, Bruno” as Arsenal’s new £75m signing takes to the Emirates for the first time and applauds the home fans.
Bruno Guimaraes has played in many fractious games between Arsenal and Newcastle in recent years, but he’s found a new home in north London.
He strode out onto the Emirates pitch in a Arsenal home shirt and jeans. He’s gone with the same number - 39 - on the back.
And here comes the players.
Reminder of Arsenal v Borussia Dortmund team news
13:56 , Jamie Braidwood
Martin Odegaard returns for the first time since the World Cup and captains Arsenal against Borussia Dortmund. Gabriel Magalhaes starts in defence, too, with Myles Lewis-Skelly in midfielder along with Odegaard and Kai Havertz. Viktor Gyokeres leads the line and there’s another start for new signing Christos Tzolis, as well as a start for teenager Max Dowman.
Arsenal XI: Kepa; White, Mosquera, Gabriel, Calafiori; Lewis-Skelly, Odegaard, Havertz; Dowman, Gyokeres, Tzolis
Subs: Meslier, Setford, Hincapie, Jesus, Martinielli, Vieira, Nwaneri, Nelson, Ibrahim, Kabia, Ogunnaike, Julienne, O'Neill, Salmono
Borussia Dortmund XI: Meyer; Svensson, Inacio, Bensebaini, Gadou; Bellingham, Nmecha, Mane; Karetsas, Beier, Silva
Subs: Drewes, Guirassy, Chukwuemeka, Sabitzer, Lerema, Prates, Albert, Kabar, Yamamoto, Reggiani, Riedl
Can Arsenal extend Emirates Cup record?
13:55 , Jamie Braidwood
Shockingly, Arsenal are the record winners of the Emirates Cup, the pre-season trophy that has been contested a previous 14 times since the opening of the Emirates Stadium in 2007.
Arsenal are nine-time champions and have won the last four, defeating Sevilla, Monaco, Lyon and Athletic Bilbao in the process. Can Borussia Dortmund become just the sixth opposition team to claim victory?
How to watch Arsenal v Borussia Dortmund in the Emirates Cup
13:49 , Jamie Braidwood
The match with Dortmund is available for free on the Arsenal YouTube channel.
After technical issues plagued the friendly against Girona that was being shown on Arsenal’s website and app, the clash with Real Betis will now not be shown on either platform and all supporters who bought access to either the Girona match or the whole pre-season bundle are entitled to a full refund.
Borussia Dortmund team news
13:38 , Jamie Braidwood
Jobe Bellingham starts for Borussia Dortmund at the Emirates, alongside Felix Nmecha, who impressed for Germany at the World Cup, and former Wolves man Fabio Silva. On a side note, Silva, now 24, may be one of the most curious footballers of recent times. He’s played for five different clubs since Wolves made him their club-record signing in September 2020 and paid £35m for him, despite the forward barely playing for Porto until that point. Anyway, here are the line-ups.
Borussia Dortmund XI: Meyer; Svensson, Inacio, Bensebaini, Gadou; Bellingham, Nmecha, Mane; Karetsas, Beier, Silva
Subs: Drewes, Guirassy, Chukwuemeka, Sabitzer, Lerema, Prates, Albert, Kabar, Yamamoto, Reggiani, Riedl
Arsenal's season-opener is fast approaching
13:27 , Jamie Braidwood
After facing Borussia Dortmund this afternoon, Arsenal will have just one more pre-season friendly before the Community Shield against Manchester City in Cardiff on August 16. They will play Cesc Fabregas’s Como on Wednesday, also at the Emirates.
Mikel Arteta says players 'fuming' after defeat against Real Betis
13:16 , Jamie Braidwood
Mikel Arteta said his Arsenal players were left “fuming” by their mistakes against Real Betis.
The Arsenal manager added that there would be “fire in the belly” ahead of facing Borussia Dortmund this afternoon.
"It's better to give those goals away in a friendly match than an official match,” he said.
"It's a balance between understanding where we are and the personnel we are playing - and the demands that are at the highest level."
What happened to Arsenal against Real Betis?
13:02 , Jamie Braidwood
Sure, it’s only pre-season, but I’m sure Mikel Arteta will be expecting a response from his players following Wednesday’s 3-1 defeat to Real Betis in Dublin. The Gunners conceded two sloppy goals, including an error from goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, as well as a screamer from their Spanish opponents. All four goals - including Piero Hincapie’s header to pull one back - came before half-time. The second half was a non event, but Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli returned to get some minutes.
Arsenal still waiting for several World Cup stars to return
12:55 , Jamie Braidwood
A sizable chunk of Arsenal’s squad (including Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke, Mikel Merino, Martin Zubimendi and David Raya) are still yet to return following their World Cup break but are set to do so this coming week.
Bruno Guimaraes not in Arsenal squad
12:52 , Jamie Braidwood
As expected, the new £75m signing is not in the Arsenal squad to face Borussia Dortmund following his arrival from Newcastle on Friday. But he could be presented to the Emirates.
Arsenal team news: Odegaard and Gabriel start
12:47 , Jamie Braidwood
Martin Odegaard returns for the first time since the World Cup and captains Arsenal against Borussia Dortmund. Gabriel Magalhaes starts in defence, too, with Myles Lewis-Skelly in midfielder along with Odegaard and Kai Havertz. Viktor Gyokeres leads the line and there’s another start for new signing Christos Tzolis, as well as a start for teenager Max Dowman.
Arsenal XI: Kepa; White, Mosquera, Gabriel, Calafiori; Lewis-Skelly, Odegaard, Havertz; Dowman, Gyokeres, Tzolis
Subs: Meslier, Setford, Hincapie, Jesus, Martinielli, Vieira, Nwaneri, Nelson, Ibrahim, Kabia, Ogunnaike, Julienne, O'Neill, Salmono
🔴 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 ⚪️
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 9, 2026
🧱 Gabriel at the back
©️ Odegaard skippers the side
😤 Gyokeres leads the line
More pre-season minutes in the tank - let's do this, Gunners ✊
🤝 Presented by @deel pic.twitter.com/FQwOjCDAje
Hello and welcome
12:42 , Jamie Braidwood
Good afternoon. Arsenal return to the Emirates for the first time since lifting the Premier League title as the Gunners step up their pre-season preparations against Borussia Dortmund in the Emirates Cup.
The Emirates Cup used to be a bit of a punchline but Arsenal’s ambitions are much higher these days as Mikel Arteta’s looks to embark on a defence of their Premier League title. Their season-opener against Coventry City is fast approaching, as is the curtain-raiser of the Community Shield against FA Cup winners Manchester City.
It’s a roasting hot afternoon and team news will be coming up shortly.
