Borussia Dortmund beat Arsenal 3-2 to win Emirates Cup

Borussia Dortmund defeated Arsenal 3-2 in the final of the Emirates Cup, claiming the pre-season trophy despite losing 5-4 on penalties after the match.

Samuel Inacio, Konstantinos Kartasas and Joan Gado scored for the German side, while Ethan Nwaneri and Viktor Gyokeres were on target for Arsenal in a match organised as preparation for the new campaign.

Borussia Dortmund made the stronger start and took the lead after only seven minutes. Inacio finished to the right of the Arsenal goalkeeper after being played through by Felix Nmecha.

Dortmund doubled their advantage in the 29th minute when Kartasas struck a powerful effort into the Arsenal net, with Daniel Svensson providing the assist.

Arsenal responded after half-time and reduced the deficit nine minutes into the second period. Christos Tzolis delivered a cross into the area and Nwaneri converted to score the Gunners’ first goal.

However, Dortmund restored their two-goal cushion in the 58th minute. Gado capitalised on confusion in the Arsenal defence following a corner and found the net for the German club’s third goal.

Arsenal were given a further opportunity to fight back when Gyokeres converted from the penalty spot in the 69th minute, but they could not find an equaliser before the end of normal time.

Arsenal then won the penalty shootout 5-4, but Borussia Dortmund were still crowned Emirates Cup winners because they had secured victory in the match itself.

The defeat was Arsenal’s latest part of their preparations for the new season. They are scheduled to play one more friendly against Como on Wednesday before facing Manchester City in the Community Shield on Sunday at Wembley Stadium.

The Premier League champions will begin their league campaign against newly promoted Coventry City at Emirates Stadium on Friday, 21 August.