Arsenal were punished for a lackadaisical performance as they were beaten 3–1 by Real Betis in a preseason friendly in Dublin. Mikel Arteta made wholesale changes at halftime and throughout the second period, handing a host of young guns invaluable opportunities. However, Arsenal were unable to stage a comeback of any description as they slumped to a first defeat of the summer. Betis were the dominant force during an extremely subpar first half from Arsenal, direct counter-attacks causing Arteta’s men particular problems. Arsenal supporters won’t be too worried, with the majority of their first-choice midfield still missing.