Arsenal were unable to retain the Emirates Cup on home soil after suffering an entertaining 3-2 defeat to Borussia Dortmund. The occasion had begun positively for the Gunners, who presented high-profile new signing Bruno Guimaraes to supporters before kick-off. However, the home fans’ excitement was quickly replaced by concern as Dortmund made a sharp start in north London. The German side’s clinical finishing and disciplined defensive structure ultimately secured the 2026 Emirates Cup trophy.
Dortmund take control in the first half
Dortmund opened the scoring in the seventh minute through Samuele Inacio, who finished expertly across goal after a clever through ball from Felix Nmecha. Arsenal goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga had little chance of keeping out the low, precise effort. Mikel Arteta’s side responded by pushing higher up the pitch, but Dortmund remained compact and well organised without the ball. The visitors doubled their advantage in the 29th minute when Konstantinos Karetsas completed a rapid counter-attack, giving Dortmund a 2-0 lead at the interval.
Nwaneri inspires a second-half response
Arsenal returned for the second half with greater intensity, and Arteta’s personnel changes quickly improved the team’s attacking rhythm. Ethan Nwaneri provided the breakthrough in the 54th minute, firing home from inside the box after being set up by Christos Tzolis. The young midfielder’s composed finish gave the hosts renewed belief and reduced the deficit to 2-1. Yet Dortmund responded just four minutes later, with Joane Gadou restoring their two-goal advantage in another damaging moment for Arsenal.
Gyokeres scores, but Arsenal fall short
The match remained open and competitive as Arsenal continued to attack in search of a comeback. In the 69th minute, Tzolis won a penalty for the Gunners, allowing Viktor Gyokeres to step up and convert confidently from the spot. Gyokeres’ goal made it 3-2 and set up a tense final period at the Emirates Stadium. Despite sustained late pressure, Arsenal could not find the equaliser, as Dortmund held firm to claim a 3-2 victory and lift the Emirates Cup.