Viktor Gyokeres' first Arsenal start ended in defeat as Villarreal ran out 3-2 winners at the Emirates Stadium despite 15-year-old Max Dowman wowing the crowd again.

After a brief cameo in the north London derby defeat to Spurs in Hong Kong, Gyokeres was given an hour by Mikel Arteta, but his Arsenal homecoming was upstaged by another big-money Gunners signing, who was wearing a Villarreal shirt.

Nicolas Pepe, the once-£72m Arsenal record signing, gave the LaLiga side the lead from close range after Pape Gueye's header came off the post. And more questionable defending saw The Yellow Submarine double their advantage.

Image: Nicolas Pepe scored the opener on his Emirates return

Gerard Moreno was found in space in the area and while David Raya saved his shot well, Karl Etta Eyong was on hand to nod home from close range.

Arsenal responded instantly with their favourite weapon - set pieces. Gabriel Martinelli's corner was headed home by summer signing Christian Norgaard at the far post, the Denmark midfielder showing he can bring his set-piece prowess from his Brentford days to Arsenal.

The Gunners pushed for a leveller in the second half...