Latest Arsenal pictures as Willian makes debut in friendly defeat to Aston Villa

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Tom Dutton6 September 2020

Arsenal stepped up their preparations for the new Premier League campaign as Willian made his debut in a 3-2 defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday.

The Gunners, who beat QPR 4-3 on Wednesday and London Colney, again shipped three goals as they lost to Villa ahead of Saturday's meeting with Fulham at Craven Cottage.

The behind closed-doors-friendly marked a first run out in Arsenal red for Willian, who joined from Chelsea on a free transfer earlier this summer.

After sealing the move last month, the Brazilian said: “I decided [to join] because Arsenal are one of the biggest clubs in the world. They have a new project with Mikel Arteta,.

“I think this club deserve to shine again and I want to be a part of this project — to be a part of the Arsenal family is amazing. I’m very happy to do that.

“I come to try to win trophies, because this club deserve to win again, and I think you have to do the best as possible to win every game."

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who is yet to sign fresh terms at Emirates Stadium, scored both Arsenal goals as Mikel Arteta took a look at a number of young and experienced squad member over the course of the 90 minutes.