Five things we learned from Arsenal’s woeful loss to Real Betis with Kepa displaced as No2 and Tzolis’ lethal asset

ARSENAL suffered their first defeat of pre-season last night as they were swept aside by Real Betis in Dublin It was the Gunners’ first real test of the summer, having only faced MK Dons and second-tier side Girona up until this point. Arsenal lost 3-1 to Real Betis in their latest pre-season friendly on Wednesday Credit: Getty Mikel Arteta claimed his players were ‘fuming’ about the defeat Credit: Getty Mikel Arteta claimed his players were “fuming” after the match as he cut a frustrated figure on the sidelines throughout. A pre-season defeat is never the end of the world, but Arteta’s high standards mean he is always demanding positive results from his side no matter the situation. Sign up for the Arsenal newsletter Thank you! Arsenal continue their pre-season preparations on Sunday, welcoming Borussia Dortmund to the Emirates Stadium for the latest iteration of the Emirates Cup. Ahead of what gears up to be a big season for Arteta’s side, SunSport Arsenal reporter Joshua Hall breaks down five things we learnt from the Gunners’ defeat to Betis. ILLAN MESLIER PUSHING FOR No2 When Illan Meslier arrived on a free transfer this summer it was under the guise that he would be Arsenal’s third-choice stopper. But off the back of two shaky performances from Kepa Arrizabalaga, Meslier might be about to jump up the pecking order. The 6ft 6in Frenchman has impressed during his substitute cameos against Betis and Girona with some sharp reaction saves. There’s no doubt that David Raya will remain Arteta’s No1, but based on pre-season evidence so far, Meslier could be playing second fiddle. Most read in Sport Illan Meslier has impressed during pre-season Credit: Sportsfile BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK Kepa was at fault for two of Betis’ goals last night and has not looked confident between the sticks. The remaining two friendlies may be his last chance to save his spot. ARSENAL NEED TO SELL The Gunners are still waiting for a host of World Cup stars to return to the squad, but cameos for the likes of Reiss Nelson and Fabio Vieira are concerning. The pair both played the second half against Betis but did little to impress or encourage any window shopping from potential suitors. Neither Nelson or Vieira have played a competitive game for Arsenal since 2024 and they have both been sent out on a flurry of loans. Their involvement last night was a stark reminder that they need to be moved on permanently to bring in some cash and make some space for new arrivals. TZOLIS SET PIECE THREAT As if Arsenal didn’t already have the upper hand from set-pieces, Christos Tzolis looks like he is going to make them even more dangerous. The Greek winger, who arrived for £34m from Club Brugge last month, offered one of the only positives in last night’s dismal display. Tzolis played in a pin perfect corner to find Piero Hincapie for the Gunners’ only goal, adding another weapon to Arteta’s set-piece Arsenal. Arteta and set-piece coach Nicolas Jover will be pleased to hear that of the 135 chances Tzolis created for Club Brugge in the league last season, 52 were from set pieces. Fabio Vieira made a cameo amid his uncertain future Credit: Sportsfile Christos Tzolis can offer Arsenal even more set-piece threat Credit: Getty BRUNO GUIMARAES CAN’T COME SOON ENOUGH With Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi not expected back in training until at least next week, Arsenal are light in midfield. Last night’s showing against Betis demonstrated that Arsenal’s makeshift midfield options aren’t strong enough to compete at the highest level. Myles Lewis-Skelly is still a great option in the middle of the park, but he will need an experienced head alongside him to thrive in Rice and Zubimendi’s absence. The quicker Bruno Guimaraes’ £75m transfer from Newcastle can be completed, the better. The Brazilian’s arrival could be paramount in helping Arsenal navigate the first few weeks of the season. FAITH IN THE FUTURE Arsenal conceded all three of their goals in the first half, holding Betis to a goalless draw in the second 45 minutes. During that second spell, Arteta trusted a host of his academy prospects, including highly-rated duo Marli Salmon and Ife Ibrahim. The Young Guns have impressed when they have been given the chance to shine during pre-season and their professionalism in a tough situation against Betis was a promising sign. Combine that with the eye-catching performance Max Dowman put in against Girona last week, and Arsenal fans can feel excited about the Hale End stars on the brink of the first team this season. Marli Salmon is one of a host of academy kids impressing on the pre-season tour Credit: Getty Bruno Guimaraes’ impending £75m transfer will be crucial for Arsenal’s start to the season Credit: Reuters Comment now