Arsenal suffered their first defeat of pre-season after a lacklustre display ended in a 3-1 loss to Spanish side Real Betis in a friendly match in Dublin.

The Gunners were punished for a string of defensive errors as Betis capitalised to secure an impressive victory over Mikel Arteta’s side.

Real Betis took the lead after goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga failed to deal with a corner, allowing Rodrigo Riquelme to pounce at the back post and fire home.

The Spanish club doubled their advantage through Nelson Deossa, who unleashed a spectacular long-range strike that left Arsenal with a mountain to climb.

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Arsenal responded before the break when new signing Christos Tzolis delivered a dangerous inswinging corner that was headed over the line by Piero Hincapié, giving the Premier League side hope of a comeback.

However, Betis quickly restored their two-goal cushion after a misplaced pass from Kai Havertz gifted possession to the Spaniards, with Pablo Fornals calmly finishing into the bottom corner.

Arteta introduced several changes after the break, handing Brazil internationals Gabriel Magalhães and Gabriel Martinelli their first pre-season appearances, but Arsenal failed to find a way back into the contest.

The Gunners were also without several key players, including Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard, who remain unavailable following their World Cup commitments.

The defeat comes as Arsenal continue to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season, with the club reportedly agreeing a £75 million deal with Newcastle United for midfielder Bruno Guimarães.

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