Rusty Arsenal lose again as Dortmund defeat exposes Arteta concern

Arsenal ended their Emirates Cup campaign on a sour note after a 2-3 defeat to Borussia Dortmund in the final. Goals from Ethan Nwaneri and Viktor Gyokeres were not enough for Mikel Arteta's side, who once again looked short of sharpness in a pre-season test against high-quality opposition.

According to Mirror Football, the performance exposed a growing concern for Arteta, with the team failing to build on promising moments and left to rue another defeat in a summer that has already had its share of rustiness.

The five talking points from the match, highlighted by the outlet, are likely to give Arteta plenty to ponder before the new season begins. While friendly results are not always decisive, the pattern of the display will add to the scrutiny around Arsenal's preparation.

Borussia Dortmund, meanwhile, will take encouragement from lifting the Emirates Cup trophy on home soil. For Arsenal supporters, the focus now turns to how quickly Arteta can correct the issues highlighted in this latest setback.

Related match highlights from the contest can be found on this site.