Photo: James Boyes from UK / CC BY 2.0 / Wikimedia Commons
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Viktor Gyokeres scored from the penalty spot as Arsenal lost 3-2 to Borussia Dortmund in the Emirates Cup Final on Sunday, leaving the Gunners with plenty to address ahead of the new campaign.
The Swedish forward acknowledged defensive lapses were costly, despite Arsenal creating good opportunities throughout the match. "I think we created some good chances, probably could have scored in the first half from a few of them and then I think, of course, we have to do better in those moments where we concede," Gyokeres said.
Arsenal conceded a corner-kick goal in the second half that Gyokeres described as "a bit unlucky" but still unacceptable. "We need to do better. We managed to score two goals in the second half but there's a lot to do better," he added.
Martin Odegaard's return to the side provided encouraging signs in the opening 20-25 minutes, with the Arsenal captain linking up effectively with Kai Havertz and Gyokeres. "His movement is easy to see and then to adapt to and I think we played a lot of games now together, so it felt good," Gyokeres said of the captain.
Gyokeres, like several Arsenal players, featured at the FIFA World Cup this summer but reported feeling physically sharper than at the same stage last year. "I feel much, much better than probably last pre-season. I've had more weeks now and it feels very, very good physically," he said.
Returning to Emirates Stadium for the first time since Arsenal's Premier League title win, the striker reflected positively on the occasion despite the defeat. "It was amazing to be back and to feel the atmosphere and see the fans again but of course we wanted a result as well," he said, adding that the squad expects to be fully ready as World Cup players continue to return.