Arsenal struggles with penalties despite summer signings under Arteta

The Guardian Sport • 1 min read • Latest: May 31, 2026, 2:21 PM

Last updated May 31, 2026

Arsenal struggles with penalties despite summer signings under Arteta

Summary

Arsenal's defeat in a penalty shootout against an unnamed opponent in Budapest highlights ongoing issues for the team. The match came at the end of a challenging season, marked by several missed penalties during pre-season that were reflected again in this pivotal moment. Manager Mikel Arteta has made summer signings, including Declan Rice, aiming to enhance the team's performance in critical matches. The club seeks to build on progress while addressing these glaring weaknesses as they prepare for upcoming competitions.

Source Links

The Guardian Sport

Key Details

•Arsenal lost a penalty shootout in Budapest
•Declan Rice emphasized the need for practice under pressure
•Summer signings aim to improve control in big games
•Previous penalty misses in pre-season echoed in shootout
•Team seeks to overcome flaws before new challenges

Latest Updates

2:21 PMThe Guardian Sport — Arsenal progress under Arteta is clear but flaws still remain for the ultimate glory

What they're saying

"
Penalty misses from pre-season were repeated in Budapest while summer signings could help Gunners exert more control in biggest games When it was finally over – on the night and for the club season, devastation the overriding emotion for everyone connected to Arsenal – Declan Rice wanted to go back to make the point. To last July and his club’s first pre-season game, against Milan in Singapore. Arsenal won 1-0 before the teams agreed to stage a penalty shootout. The idea was clear: to practise in front of a crowd because you just cannot replicate this particular aspect of the game on the training ground. Arsenal lost. Continue reading...
— The Guardian Sportby David Hytner in Budapest

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