Arteta is concerned about Arsenal's defense

Conceding 7 goals in the last three friendlies isn't a catastrophe, but it's sufficient to cause concern for Mikel Arteta, particularly when errors are emerging in the system that is seen as Arsenal's bedrock.

1. Arsenal could argue that this is just the preseason period, when the squad isn't in top shape and players are being rotated. However, for a team aiming to compete for the Premier League title, those numbers still serve as a warning.

In their last three friendlies, Arsenal first allowed Genoa to score one goal in a 4-1 win on August 3, then conceded three against Real Betis, and later let in three more in a 2-3 loss to Borussia Dortmund at the Emirates Cup. In total, the Gunners have shipped 7 goals in three matches.

What is worrying is not just the number of goals conceded, but the way Arsenal conceded them. Against Dortmund, the defense repeatedly left space around the penalty area. Samuele Inacio had the chance to exploit the gap behind Gabriel Magalhaes, while Konstantinos Karetsas comfortably curled a beautiful shot to double the lead.

More notably, Arsenal also conceded from a corner kick. This is the second consecutive match they have let in a goal from such a set piece, following the game against Real Betis. These seemingly minor details reflect a larger issue: the focus and organization of the defensive system are not up to standard.

2. Arteta's concern is heightened by the personnel problems emerging just as the season is about to start. William Saliba will be out for a significant period, while Jurrien Timber is also unavailable for the next few weeks. David Raya has not yet joined the squad, meaning Arteta cannot yet field his best options.

In the match against Dortmund, Arsenal used Gabriel Magalhaes and Cristhian Mosquera at center-back, with Riccardo Calafiori and Ben White on the flanks. Considering the current squad situation, this is nearly the strongest lineup Arteta can deploy in the early matches. The problem is that this quartet has not yet instilled a sense of solidity.

Arsenal boasted an impressive defensive record last season, conceding three goals in a match only once. Therefore, repeatedly letting in three goals against Real Betis and Dortmund seems even more unusual. In particular, the goals conceded were not only due to brilliant moments from opponents but also stemmed from gaps and organizational errors.

Arteta will certainly wait for the return of key players, but he must also consider backup options. The transfer window is not yet closed, meaning Arsenal could still look to add another center-back or a versatile defensive player.

3. Looking at recent matches, Arsenal's issue is not entirely about individual ability. What is more concerning is their ability to maintain team shape and handle transitions.

Dortmund showed a clear way to exploit Arsenal. When Arteta's team pushed high, the opponents looked to send the ball behind the defense. Inacio took advantage of the space to break through and score, while other situations also revealed that the distances between Arsenal's lines were sometimes stretched.

This is particularly dangerous for a team that tends to control possession and push high. Arsenal want to press from the opponent's half, but when they lose the ball, they must immediately organize a counter-press or quickly close down space. If not, the defense will face direct attacks.

Therefore, Arteta not only needs Saliba, Timber, or Raya to return. He must ensure the entire system operates more cohesively. Another area that needs improvement is set-piece defense. Conceding from corners in two consecutive matches shows that Arsenal needs to review their positioning, marking, and reactions near the near post. The new season will certainly present much tougher tests than friendlies. When Manchester City, Liverpool, or other direct rivals are better at exploiting space, the mistakes seen against Dortmund will not be easily forgiven.