Kepa's mis‑judged charge sets tone for Arsenal's Aviva defeat

WE LEARNED that the 3‑1 defeat has laid bare Arsenal Gunners’ defensive frailties and placed their backline under pressure ahead of the Premier League title defence, as Real Betis capitalised on a Kepa Arrizabalaga error at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on 5 August 2026.

Kepa Arrizabalaga’s mis‑judged charge on Pablo García’s corner in the ninth minute allowed the ball to fall to Rodrigo Riquelme, whose chest‑down finish gave Real Betis the opening goal and set the tone for the match.

The first half continued to unravel as a poor clearance later enabled Nelson Deossa to unleash a long‑range strike, leaving the Gunners trailing 2‑0 at the break.

After the interval Arsenal’s manager introduced Gabriel in midfield, a tactical shift that slowed Betis’s tempo and helped limit further damage, before a late Pablo Fornals shot from outside the area made it 3‑1.

The backline’s indecision was evident, with the defence dropping off and the absence of centre‑back William Saliba weakening the unit; the surprise signing of Illan Meslier as a third‑choice goalkeeper raised questions, while Kepa remains the No 2 behind the established starter.

The Gunners will now face Borussia Dortmund and Como in the remaining pre‑season fixtures before contesting the Community Shield, and their Premier League title defence begins at home to Coventry.