Arsenal were beaten 3-1 by Real Betis in a result that quickly shifted the focus from their previous 4-1 win at Girona. The match report and goal highlights are likely to draw interest not only because of the scoreline, but also because post-match analysis suggested Mikel Arteta will have reasons to be concerned.
Arteta kept the same side that had started against Girona, showing faith in the group after that convincing victory. However, full-back Jurrien Timber was still unavailable with a groin problem, while Hincapie and forwards Gyokeres and Havertz were all included from the start.
A former Premier League defender working as a pundit said the game appeared to force Arteta into a rethink. While Arsenal had gone into the match with continuity in selection, the defeat to Betis raised fresh questions about how effectively the side handled the contest once the Spanish team gained the upper hand.
One loss does not change the bigger picture on its own, but a 3-1 defeat after an encouraging display the previous weekend gives Arsenal clear areas to review. Team balance, defensive security and the impact of missing players such as Timber are all likely to be part of the discussion after a night that left Arteta with more to consider.
