Arsenal started the game as if they had been the team defending the lead. Villarreal looked sharper in the beginning.
Chukwueze forced Leno into a save with a long-range shot, while Dani Parejo's free-kick shot flew over the crossbar.
Arsenal's first good opportunity to break the deadlock came in the 26th minute, as Auba hit the post with a right-footed volley.
Villarreal keeper Geronimo Rulli nearly gifted a goal to the Gunners as the ball slipped out of his hands. However, Arteta's side barely created anything worth mentioning in the first half.
Arsenal improved after the break. Kieran Tierney played a lovely pass to Nico Pepe but the Ivorian's finish went wide. Shortly after that, Smith Rowe's dinked effort sailed over the crossbar.
The Gunners' enthusiasm in the final third died down after Emile's chance, and it took a long time for Arsenal to create something to test the opposition goalie.
Rob Holding made two headed attempts—both were close but neither went on goal—before Auba hit the post for the second time, this time after a Bellerin cross.
Overall, the Gunners lacked urgency and intensity. They were not creative enough to systematically threaten the visitors.
The midfield got stuck in the repeated backwards and sideways passing cycle, while our wide players failed to use their skill and movement to break through the opposition's low block.
Aubameyang was isolated at centre-forward, making just 14 touches during his 80 minutes on the pitch.
Arsenal looked disinterested in the result. The lackadaisical attitude was best evidenced in Thomas Partey passing the ball sideways in the 94th minute, shortly before the final whistle.
