It was supposed to be a celebration. Arsenal’s first home match since lifting the Premier League trophy should’ve been a joyous homecoming. Instead, Borussia Dortmund tore up the script.
Niko Kovac’s side raced into a two-goal lead, weathered a fierce Arsenal comeback, and walked away 3-2 winners to claim the 2026 Emirates Cup at the Emirates Stadium.
Dortmund Strike Early, Karetsas Announces Himself
The visitors didn’t waste any time making their presence felt. Just seven minutes in, Samuele Inacio ran off Cristhian Mosquera and latched onto a pass from Felix Nmecha before slotting home.
Arsenal pushed back. Viktor Gyokeres rattled the crossbar with a powerful effort, and both Kai Havertz and Gabriel went close. But the equaliser wouldn’t come.
Then came the moment everyone’s still talking about. In the 29th minute, Konstantinos Karetsas — making his Dortmund debut after signing from Genk — collected a pass from Daniel Svensson, cut inside, and curled a left-footed shot into the top corner.
A screamer. On debut. Against the Premier League champions. Not a bad way to introduce yourself, is it?
Dortmund went into half-time 2-0 up. Arsenal had created chances but couldn’t convert any of them. The home crowd grew restless.
Arsenal Fight Back, But Defensive Frailties Bite Again
Mikel Arteta made changes before break, bringing on Ethan Nwaneri for Martin Odegaard after 30 minutes paid off almost immediately in second half.
Nwaneri pulled one back in the 54th minute after good work from Christos Tzolis, who picked up his third goal contribution in as many pre-season matches.
The Emirates roared. Could the Gunners mount a full comeback?
Four minutes later, they had their answer. Joane Gadou headed home from a set-piece to restore Dortmund’s two-goal cushion. It was a gut punch.
Arsenal didn’t give up, though. Tzolis was brought down in the box in the 69th minute, and Gyokeres stepped up to convert from the penalty spot.
At 3-2, the final 20 minutes were frantic. Arteta threw on Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, and a wave of substitutes. Dortmund’s defence held firm.
The match ended with a consolation penalty shootout, which Arsenal won 5-4, but the trophy belonged to the visitors.
Bigger Questions for Arteta Heading Into the Season
This was Arsenal’s second straight pre-season defeat after losing 3-1 to Real Betis in Dublin. Pre-season results don’t count for much in isolation. But the pattern is starting to raise eyebrows, which are conceding from corners and defensive mistakes.
Defensive mistakes have been a recurring theme. Arteta acknowledged the problem after the Betis loss. “They are fuming,” he said of his players. “But this is good. That’s what we need.”
The fury clearly hasn’t translated into fixes yet. With William Saliba still sidelined after picking up a back injury during the World Cup, Arsenal’s centre-back options looked stretched.
There was at least some positive news off the pitch. Bruno Guimaraes, signed from Newcastle for £75 million, was paraded in front of supporters before kick-off. He watched from the stands, getting his first taste of life at the Emirates.
Here’s what stood out from the match:
- Karetsas looks like a special talent. His debut goal was world-class.
- Tzolis continues to impress. Three goal contributions in three pre-season games is no fluke.
- Nwaneri showed exactly why Arteta trusts him.
- Arsenal’s set-piece defending remains a problem.
- Dortmund’s young squad looked sharp and organised under Kovac.
Arsenal still have time to iron out the wrinkles. They host Como on August 12 before the Community Shield against Manchester City on August 16. The Premier League season opener against newly-promoted Coventry City follows on August 21.
But Arteta will know better than anyone — the clock is ticking. Pre-season friendlies don’t matter until the same mistakes start showing up in the matches that do.
