Arsenal 2–3 Borussia Dortmund Player Ratings: BVB Hold Off Gunners Comeback In Five-Goal Emirates Cup Thriller

Borussia Dortmund held off a spirited second-half revival from Arsenal to claim a thrilling 3–2 victory in the 2026 Emirates Cup at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. In accordance with pre-season tournament rules, the match was followed by a bonus penalty shootout as a practice session regardless of the 90-minute scoreline, though the outcome was decided strictly by the regular match result.

The German side laid the foundation for their victory in a dominant opening period, striking twice inside the half-hour mark. Samuele Inacio opened the scoring in the 6th minute, pouncing on a swift midfield turnover to slot past Kepa Arrizabalaga. Dortmund doubled their advantage in the 28th minute through Konstantinos Karetsas, who capped off a sharp counter-attack by sliding a low finish beneath Kepa. Both early goals stood after VAR checks, leaving the hosts with a steep hill to climb at the break.

Arsenal mounted a determined response after the restart, cutting the margin in the 54th minute when Ethan Nwaneri collected a loose ball on the edge of the area and lashed a precise shot into the bottom corner.

Dortmund answered back almost immediately to quiet the home crowd. In the 58th minute, defender Joane Gadou rose unchallenged inside the six-yard box to head home from a set-piece delivery, restoring BVB’s two-goal cushion at 3–1.

The Gunners continued to push, winning a penalty in the 69th minute after Christos Tzolis was clipped in the box. Viktor Gyokeres stepped up and calmly converted from the spot to make it 3–2 and ignite a grandstand finish. Arsenal threw bodies forward in the closing minutes, with Gyokeres coming close before Alexander Meyer denied Nwaneri in stoppage time. Borussia Dortmund’s backline held firm through five added minutes to secure a thrilling 3–2 victory.

Despite late pressure and a flurry of chances in stoppage time, Dortmund’s backline held firm through five added minutes to seal a memorable pre-season victory in North London. Here is Arsenal vs Borussia Dortmund Player Ratings

Arsenal player ratings vs Dortmund

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Borussia Dortmund player ratings vs Arsenal

Have a look at the Borussia Dortmund player ratings from the Arsenal vs Borussia Dortmund player ratings.