Arsenal will look for a stronger response when they host Borussia Dortmund at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, with Mikel Arteta knowing his players will be eager to put right the frustration of their 3-1 defeat to Real Betis on Wednesday.
It has been a mixed summer for Arsenal so far. Earlier in the preseason they beat Girona 4-1 in their first overseas friendly, but the setback against Real Betis reminded everyone that rhythm and sharpness are still being built. Arteta said his players were “fuming” after that loss, which tells you plenty about the standard expected inside the squad.
Why Arsenal should be ready to react
This is Arsenal’s first home preseason game in front of supporters since last season’s Premier League triumph, so the atmosphere should add an edge to the occasion. Even in a friendly, that matters. Players want to show they are already close to full speed, and the manager will want signs that the reaction from Wednesday has carried onto the pitch.
Arsenal are still missing several first-team players who are recovering from World Cup campaigns, so Arteta is working without a full group. That makes the match against Borussia Dortmund useful in another sense: it gives him a chance to judge how his squad handles a stronger test while pieces are still missing.
Borussia Dortmund arrive with sharper legs
Borussia Dortmund should not be treated as simple friendly opposition. They have already played multiple preseason matches and come into this fixture after a Japan tour that included a 1-0 loss to Cerezo Osaka and a 1-0 win over FC Tokyo.
That means BVB should be physically ahead in terms of match minutes, even if Arsenal have the advantage of home ground and familiar surroundings. For Arsenal, the key question is whether they can match that sharpness and avoid another performance that leaves the head coach needing to explain the same issues again.
The wider point is clear. Arsenal do not need perfection in preseason, but they do need a response. After the Betis defeat, and with Dortmund arriving in decent match condition, Sunday offers a proper early test of attitude, structure and tempo.
