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ARSENAL were given a Real-ity check with a woeful pre-season defeat.
Mikel Arteta’s men were largely outplayed and punished for far too many careless errors in the 3-1 loss to Real Betis in Dublin.
The game kicked off 15 minutes late due to bad traffic which meant the LaLiga were delayed getting to the Aviva Stadium.
But they came out the stronger side and dominated the Premier League champions, who put in a terribly poor display and were well beaten.
Nightmare start. Flapped at a corner and was more concerned with grappling Kai Havertz than getting his gloves on the ball – so looked rather silly when down on the floor as Rodrigo Riquelme tucked in.
His poor clearance led to the second, too, although he had no chance of stopping Nelson Deossa’s sublime strike.
Made one smart save.
Captained the side at right-back.
Very little involvement, unable to get up and join the attacks and majority of Real Betis’ danger came down the Spaniards’ right-hand side.
Not helped by Arrizabalaga for the opening goal but also Mosquera did not cover himself in glory from the corner, either.
Was one of many Arsenal players who gave the ball away too cheaply – and then was caught out of position as Arrizabalaga bailed him out with a low stop late in the first half. Uninspiring.
Literally could not miss with his header from a yard out in the middle of the goal and the goalkeeper nowhere to be seen.
Arsenal looked far less convincing with this defensive duo which is a major concern with William Saliba sidelined.
Played as a single pivot in the No6 holding midfield role – and regularly Arsenal’s deepest man between the centre-backs.
Didn’t close down Deossa well enough for the goal, but could hardly have expected the shot to be as good as it was.
Also a culprit with a lack of pressing on Deossa. Got into two lots of handbags before half-time as frustrations clear to see.
His only real involvements until a late foul soon after the break. Didn’t take his chance to impress and will be disappointed.
No doubt had his mood worsened with the Bruno Guimaraes deal agreed around the time of kick-off.
Didn’t learn the lesson from Calafiori moments earlier as he gifted the ball away in a dangerous area to allow Pablo Fornals to make it 3-1 before the break.
Really, really poor from arguably the most senior starter.
Didn’t have time to make amends as part of the wholesale half-time changes.
Started on the right again and Arsenal’s best player for large parts, playing a key role in winning corner for Hincapie goal.
Held ball up well but ultimately gets judged on his goals – and he squandered a glorious chance in the opening minutes, unable to get the ball out of his feet.
Other half-opening saw him misread the situation and did not anticipate the pass.
Showed good endeavour and anticipation to intercept goalkeeper’s pass but could not find Gyokeres to equalise.
It was his deflected shot that won Arsenal’s first corner – which he whipped into a dangerous area Declan Rice style.
Minutes in the legs. 30 to be precise.
See above.
A real throwback with the Portuguese back introduced into the team. Wasteful.
See above, again. Can he get his Arsenal career resurrected? Lacked urgency.
Fired side-foot shot just wide. Another opportunity to show Gyokeres up. Another opportunity gone.
Booked for cynical pull back.
Youngster only on for seven minutes before studs got caught in turf and he went down in serious pain.
Carried off and down tunnel unable to bear weight. Worrying.
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