Borussia Dortmund beat Arsenal 3-2 in a preseason friendly at the Emirates Stadium, with two Greek internationals starring on opposite sides of the pitch.
Konstantinos Karetsas scored a spectacular solo goal for Dortmund, while Arsenal's Christos Tzolis set up a goal for Ethan Nwaneri and won the penalty that pulled the Gunners back into the game.
Karetsas scores on first Dortmund appearance
Dortmund took the lead through Inacio in the 7th minute. Karetsas doubled the German side's advantage in the 29th minute, driving forward with the ball and beating the Arsenal goalkeeper with a powerful shot to make it 2-0.
It was Karetsas's first appearance for Dortmund since joining the club, and he was named in the starting lineup for the first time. The 19-year-old Greek international opened his account for his new side immediately. He was substituted at the start of the second half.
Tzolis provides the assist and wins a penalty
Nwaneri pulled a goal back for Arsenal in the 54th minute, finishing off a chance created by Tzolis to make it 2-1. It was the latest assist from the Greek winger, who had previously scored against Girona and set up a goal against Betis in earlier matches.
Dortmund restored their two-goal cushion four minutes later, in the 58th minute, when Gantou made it 3-1. Arsenal responded in the 69th minute when Viktor Gyokeres converted a penalty that Tzolis had won, setting the score at 3-2. Tzolis was substituted for Gabriel Martinelli in the 78th minute.
British media praise Karetsas's goal
English outlets reacted to Karetsas's goal and the composure he showed on the ball. The Daily Mail said Karetsas carried the ball comfortably towards the Arsenal box, brought it onto his left foot and produced an effort into the corner that gave Kepa no chance to react, adding that Arsenal fans could not be happy with what they had seen.
Sky Sports described the finish as brilliant, saying the teenager looked like a diamond after running in from the right and finishing into the corner of Arsenal's goal. The outlet noted that Karetsas had announced himself at Dortmund in the same week he signed for the German club, calling it further defensive trouble for Arsenal 12 days before the start of the Premier League season.
The BBC said Gabriel had given Karetsas too much space, allowing him to run from midfield towards the Arsenal box, cut inside and finish into the top corner, leaving Kepa with no chance.
