Viktor Gyokeres against Athletic Club pic.twitter.com/xDEjVpnPzs
— Triple M (@Tripple____M) August 9, 2025
VIKTOR GYOKERES MARKED his Arsenal debut with a goal, as the Gunners cruised to a 3-0 pre-season victory over Athletic Bilbao before winning a dramatic penalty shootout at the Emirates.
The Swedish striker, whose summer transfer was one of the window’s biggest sagas, broke the deadlock in the 34th minute with a well-timed header from Martin Zubimendi’s pinpoint cross—another new signing making an immediate impact.
Arsenal doubled their lead less than two minutes later when Bukayo Saka tapped in, before substitute Kai Havertz added a third late on to cap off a dominant display.
Despite the comfortable scoreline, the match concluded with an unexpected penalty shootout—a decision that left fans puzzled. Youngster Ethan Nwaneri missed his spot-kick, and Bilbao squandered their chance to win before Zubimendi stepped up to secure a 6-5 shootout victory for Mikel Arteta’s side.
The Gunners will take confidence from their new signings’ instant contributions as they continue preparations for the new season.
Penalty shootout in full
Arsenal 6-5 Bilbao pic.twitter.com/rrsx4tKTR7— 🇬🇧UKJ0N🇬🇧 (@ukJ0N) August 9, 2025