Mikel Arteta admitted Arsenals 3-2 Emirates Cup final defeat to Borussia Dortmund was frustrating but believes there were still plenty of positives to take from the performance. The Gunners were beaten at the Emirates Stadium despite producing several encouraging attacking moments, with Arteta pointing to defensive lapses and set-piece issues as the key reasons for the defeat.Well, disappointed that we lost the game, Arteta said.Obviously, try to understand and give some context to the game in terms of how we played, how we competed and then who competed in the game and for how long as well.And bearing all that in mind, I think there were some poor moments where we were not very recognisable, especially in set-pieces and defending actions and timings that we are normally very efficient in.Some other very, very positive attacking combinations, big chances that some of them didnt finish in anything because of the final pass because they were completely open.But, overall, disappointed because you want to win the games in any context and today, we havent managed to do that.Table of ContentsNew signings impressGunners World Cup stars to returnNew signings impressOne player who continued to impress was summer signing Christos Tzolis, who registered another assist to make it three goal contributions in as many pre-season appearances.Really strong, Arteta said when asked about the Greek winger.I think he looks fit, he looks confident, he looks sharp.He made the assist, he created a penalty, he had another two or three very good moments.His work rate is unbelievable so far very good things.New arrival Bruno Guimaraes also received a warm reception from supporters before kick-off following his move from Newcastle United, and Arteta believes the Brazil international will bring more than just quality on the pitch.You can see the immediate reaction, he said.I think he describes himself as a warrior.I think hes a warrior with a tremendous quality as well and intuition and leadership and charisma that is going to help us, that is going to really ignite something different in the team.I think hes going to push everybody inside the team as well and thats the type of player that we need.Gunners World Cup stars to returnArteta also confirmed that Arsenals World Cup internationals will all return to training on Monday.Tomorrow, everybodys back, he said.Some of them were two days early and some of them were back today just towards the game, which was great.So tomorrow we start again, we have everybody back so I cant wait.Looking ahead to the final stages of pre-season, Arteta is pleased with the progress of his squad, while singling out Ethan Nwaneri for praise.Its a tricky thing, he added.Some of them now have good loads. Its true that we have been training hard and on top of that playing some minutes, especially in this heat today that you could notice, especially the moment the game opened up a little bit.But some of them had some really good games.I think Ethan has been brilliant throughout pre-season and Im really happy with him. Topics Arsenal F.C. Mikel Arteta Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Arsenal 2-3 Borussia Dortmund: Report, result and goals as Gunners fall at home 101 GreatGoals 9th August, 2026 Arsenal vs Borussia Dortmund: Confirmed line-ups as Gunners aim to lift Emirates Cup 101 GreatGoals 9th August, 2026 Arsenal vs Borussia Dortmund: Line-ups, stats and preview as Gunners eye pre-season silverware Mitch Fretton 8th August, 2026 BREAKING: Arsenal confirm signing of Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle Jon Fisher 8th August, 2026 None of us wanted to sell Bruno Wilson admits Guimaraes exit was not part of Newcastles plans Mitch Fretton 7th August, 2026 BREAKING: Vinicius Junior signs Real Madrid contract until 2032 Ben Miller 6th August, 2026
