Arsenal played a pre-season friendly at the Emirates Stadium and, despite leading, ultimately lost 2-3 to La Liga side Villarreal thanks to goals from Ødegaard and Nergaard. Nergaard said playing at home with Arsenal for the first time was a special feeling and that he hoped to capitalize on all scoring opportunities with the team.

In the 16th minute of the game, Nicolas Pepe scored in the melee, helping Villarreal take the lead 1-0. In the 33rd minute, Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya blocked Gerard Moreno's shot, and then Etta Ayon made a follow-up shot to help Villarreal continue to lead Arsenal 2-0.

In the 36th minute, Martinelli took a corner kick, and Nelgo headed the ball into the goal, helping Arsenal to a 1-2 draw. In the 68th minute of the second half, Anaut Danjuma received a pass from his teammate and scored with a powerful shot in the penalty area, helping Villarreal extend their lead to 3-1.

In the 76th minute, Dawman was brought down in the penalty area by an opposing player, and Arsenal was awarded a penalty kick. Ødegaard then took the penalty kick and scored, helping Arsenal make the score 2-3.

In the end, Arsenal lost 2-3 to Villarreal at home.

"It's a fantastic feeling to walk onto the pitch and know I'm an Arsenal player," said Neergaard, who joined Arsenal last month. "I've been here a few times as an opponent, but putting on the Arsenal shirt is definitely more special. It's a very important moment."

"Goal was of course an important moment, but I couldn't fully enjoy it because of the scoreline, not to mention we didn't win at home. We still have some areas to improve before the start of the season."

Neergaard pointed out, "The key issue was on both ends of the court. The opponent had two or three chances and capitalized on them all, while we had many similar opportunities but failed to execute better in the final moments. Therefore, this is an area we need to work hard to improve in the final 10 to 11 days before the start of the new season. If we can address this issue, I believe we will have a strong performance during the season."

It is worth mentioning that in the match against Villarreal, all the new signings signed by Arsenal got playing time, including Zikeres, Madouk and Martin Subimendi.

Neergaard said, "It feels really good to be here, knowing I'm not the only newbie. Everyone is very friendly, and it's an easy team to integrate into. I'm really enjoying my time here, and I hope there will be many more good days to come."