Mikel Arteta called out Arsenal’s defending as “naive” after his side suffered a 3-2 defeat to Villarreal in a pre-season friendly at the Emirates on Wednesday.

The Gunners fell 2-0 behind within 33 minutes and couldn’t recover, slumping to a second consecutive loss after earlier wins over Milan and Newcastle.

“Today the result is painful,” Arteta admitted. “They were super efficient but we’ve been naive, especially in how we defended open spaces. That has cost us the game.”

Despite the result, the manager took positives from Viktor Gyökeres’ first start following his €63.5 million move from Sporting.

The Swedish striker showed promise in his movement and attacking intent.

Arteta also reserved praise for 15-year-old Max Dowman, who won a penalty and impressed once again with his sharp attacking play.

“He continues to impress,” Arteta said. “The efficiency he shows in every action is incredible.”

Arsenal’s final pre-season tests loom large as they look to tighten up defensively before the Premier League returns.