Gyökeres only had 14 touches of the ball and a single shot on target as Arsenal, as a whole, struggled with Villarreal’s counterattacking. Arteta was asked by reporters afterwards if the former Coventry City forward would be ready for the visit to Old Trafford later this month.

Mikel Arteta believes Viktor Gyokeres will be in a “really good place” by the time Arsenal travel to Old Trafford for their opening game of the Premier League season next week. Gyokeres started his first game for Arsenal on Wednesday evening, playing just over an hour as the Gunners lost 3-2 to Villarreal in a friendly.

Viktor Gyokeres was picked to start for Arsenal without their main midfield three against Villarreal prompting questions from supporters that are easily explained

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has said there is a "big belief" within his squad they can be successful this season season.