Borussia Dortmund lifted the 2026 Emirates Cup after beating Arsenal 3-2 in a pre-season contest that exposed fresh defensive concerns for Mikel Arteta's side.

The result came just days after Arteta had criticised his team's defending following a 3-1 defeat to Real Betis, and Arsenal's backline offered little improvement at the Emirates. Samuele Inacio and 18-year-old Konstantinos Karetsas scored to put Dortmund 2-0 ahead at half-time.

Missed chances and defensive errors

Arsenal created numerous opportunities but failed to convert them. Viktor Gyokeres struck the bar in the first half, summing up a frustrating evening in front of goal for the Gunners.

Ethan Nwaneri pulled one back following a sharp contribution from Christos Tzolis, briefly hinting at a comeback. However, a poorly defended corner allowed Joane Gadou to restore Dortmund's two-goal cushion at 3-1.

Tzolis then earned a penalty late on, which Gyokeres converted to make it 3-2 — setting up a tense finale that ultimately ended with the scoreline unchanged after 90 minutes.

Penalty shootout and Community Shield ahead

A penalty shootout was held after the final whistle, with Arsenal converting all their spot kicks to claim a 5-4 shootout victory — though the Emirates Cup itself went to Dortmund on the strength of the full-time result.

Arsenal's attention now turns to the Community Shield against Manchester City at Wembley Stadium next weekend. The two sides last met at Wembley in the Carabao Cup final, where Manchester City won 2-0.

Before the match, Arsenal unveiled new signing Bruno Guimaraes on the Emirates pitch. The Brazilian midfielder joined from Newcastle United in a deal worth £75 million.