Hector Bellerin was gracious in victory after Real Betis’ friendly win over Arsenal on Wednesday night, admitting he’s been counting down the days to this game.
In many ways, Wednesday night’s friendly match between Arsenal and Real Betis was disappointing. Youth player Louie Copley suffered a potentially serious injury, Mikel Arteta was disappointed with the first-half performance, and the players reportedly felt the same.
But to take one positive from the friendly, it was great to see Hector Bellerin back sharing a pitch with some of his old teammates.
Bellerin was a fan favourite during his time in north London, and he’s remained in the supporters’ good books even after leaving, making it clear how much he still cares about his old club.
Speaking after Betis’ 3-1 win over Arsenal, Bellerin graciously suggested his team’s additional preparations probably played a part, before adding that he was delighted to share the pitch with the new Premier League champions.
“Unexpected (to win the match), we knew it was going to be a tough game,” Bellerin said. “Lots of players from Arsenal still to come back…we’ve been on the road for a couple more games, [but] it was a great test for us.
“Since I knew the friendly got announced, I’ve been just counting back the days until today. I’m very grateful to be able to enjoy in a pre-season game against old teammates, against Arsenal.
“Also, it’s been really nice to play against them after they’ve achieved what they’ve achieved last season.
“I spent 10 years over there, always trying to help and trying to see Arsenal where it belongs and it’s nice to finally face them with them being in that position, so I’m very happy for them.”
Given it was only a pre-season friendly, Arsenal fans could enjoy seeing their old player back in action without being too concerned with the result. It’s often difficult facing a former player, because one party tends to end up leaving disappointed.
If Arsenal and Bellerin meet again during the season, it might not be possible to have such a friendly outcome. So it was nice for him to get this opportunity when it didn’t matter as much.
- Arsenal fixture list for all 18 September-October internationals18 Arsenal players have been called up for international duty over the September-October break, let’s take a look at when they’ll be in action.
- Arsenal 19yo with 24 senior caps called up againArsenal youth summer signing James Scanlon has been called up by Gibraltar for the international break, having already made plenty of appearances for their senior team.
- Arsenal 24yo international left out over fitness concernEcuador have confirmed their list of call-ups for the September-October international break, with Arsenal injury doubt Piero Hincapie left out.
- Who is Arsenal’s fastest player?Arsenal’s speed data from Brighton produced a surprising result, with one player standing clear at the top of the club’s season rankings.
- Gyokeres Sweden call-up a chance to build some confidenceViktor Gyokeres has been handed a timely Sweden call-up that could help him rebuild confidence after a stop-start beginning to the season.