Arsenal are back at the Emirates Stadium this Wednesday for the first time since the end of last season, taking on Villarreal in their penultimate pre-season friendly.
After a frustrating defeat to Tottenham in Hong Kong, Mikel Arteta’s side will be looking to respond with a sharper performance in front of their own fans. Villarreal arrive in poor form, winless in six pre-season outings, and Arsenal will be eager to take advantage.
Emirates return for Arsenal as new signings prepare for home debut
The 6pm kickoff in London could feature several fresh faces. Viktor Gyökeres, Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Nørgaard, and Cristhian Mosquera are all available and could make their unofficial home bows in red and white. Noni Madueke has returned to training early but should be fine to feature for the next game against Athletic Club.
Arsenal fans are especially eager to see Gyökeres in action after his high-profile move from Sporting and record-breaking shirt sales. The Swedish striker joins a team looking to build momentum before the new Premier League season kicks off.
Villarreal’s struggles and a shot at revenge
Villarreal’s summer has been underwhelming. Marcelino’s squad has failed to win any of their pre-season games, drawing four and losing two. Most recently, they were held to a 1-1 draw by Leeds United a match which saw former Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe feature from the start.
There’s also some old history between the sides. Villarreal famously knocked Arsenal out of the Europa League semi-finals in 2021, holding the Gunners to a goalless draw at the Emirates to seal a 2-1 aggregate win. Arteta’s side may not call this a revenge match but fans won’t forget that night.
How to watch Arsenal vs Villarreal
The match won’t be shown on TV in the UK, but supporters can watch a live stream on Arsenal.com or via the club’s official app. The single-match pass costs £4.99, or fans can pay £8.99 to watch both this game and the Emirates Cup clash against Athletic Club on August 9.
Highlights will be uploaded to the club’s official YouTube channel shortly after full time, and both teams will share match updates and clips across social media platforms.
Arsenal’s return to the Emirates should give fans their first real look at how this new squad is shaping up. The result may not count but the rhythm, chemistry, and intensity absolutely do. With several debuts on the cards and Villarreal still out of form, this is the perfect stage for Arteta’s men to send a message.
