Arsenal delivered a commanding performance at Montilivi, cruising to a 4-1 triumph over Girona in a pre‑season encounter that highlighted the depth and potential of Mikel Arteta’s squad. Central to the spectacle was 16‑year‑old Max Dowman, who not only opened the scoring but also provided an assist, showcasing a blend of technical skill and composure rarely seen at his age.
The young midfielder’s influence set the tone for a match that, while featuring several experimental line‑ups, still managed to demonstrate why the Gunners are being touted as one of the Premier League’s most exciting sides heading into the new campaign. The opening goal came in spectacular fashion.
Dowman received the ball on the left flank, executed a dazzling turn that left Girona defender Moreno flat‑footed, and then slipped an exquisitely timed through‑ball into the path of Kai Havertz. Havertz, displaying his usual poise, drove the ball low into the bottom left corner, beating goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga with ease.
The assist underlined Dowman’s vision and his ability to unlock defenses with precision passes, a quality that could see him become a regular creative outlet for Arsenal alongside veteran play‑maker Martin Ødegaard. Soon after, debutant Christos Tzolis added his name to the scoresheet.
The Greek forward, who had only recently joined the club, found space on the right and unleashed a low, driven shot that took a slight deflection before nestling into the bottom corner. The goal not only doubled Arsenal’s lead but also signalled that Tzolis could be more than a mere squad player; his energy and willingness to take on defenders suggested he might become a valuable option on the wing or even as an auxiliary striker.
Girona attempted to respond shortly after the break. A well‑taken corner found Arnau Martínez, who rose above the Arsenal defence to head the ball into the top left corner, offering a brief glimmer of hope for the home side. However, the lead was short‑lived.
Within three minutes, Dowman reclaimed the spotlight, this time with a thunderous strike from outside the box that flew past Gazzaniga and into the net, restoring Arsenal’s two‑goal advantage. The goal highlighted Dowman’s versatility – he is as comfortable orchestrating play as he is finishing chances with power and accuracy. The final goal came from Gabriel Jesus, who capitalised on a defensive mishap by Girona.
A loose ball on the edge of the box fell to the Brazilian forward, who, despite limited minutes this season, demonstrated his predatory instincts by calmly slotting the ball home. The goal sealed the victory and provided a fitting end to a match that saw Arsenal’s attacking unit fire on all cylinders. While the first half was dominated by the likes of Dowman, Havertz, and Tzolis, the second half featured a host of academy graduates and fringe players, offering Arteta a chance to assess the depth of his roster.
Myles Lewis‑Skelly, for example, continued the form that made him a crucial figure in Arsenal’s title‑winning run‑in last season. Known primarily for his work‑rate and defensive contributions, Lewis‑Skelly impressed with his forward passes, linking up effectively with Dowman for the third goal and displaying an evolving offensive mindset. The match also underscored Arsenal’s attacking options beyond the usual suspects.
With five of the seven forwards who featured in the Champions League final against Paris Saint‑Germain absent, the Gunners still managed to produce a fluid, incisive attack. This suggests that the team’s depth at the front could be a decisive factor this season, especially as Martin Ødegaard and Eberechi Eze recover from extended post‑World Cup breaks.
Off the pitch, Arteta hinted at ongoing activity in the transfer market. He reiterated the club’s ambition, stating that Arsenal are “very ambitious” and “really active” as they monitor potential signings, including Real Madrid’s Brazilian winger Vinícius Júnior.
Although the Spanish giants appear reluctant to sell their star, Arteta’s comments reflect a proactive approach, with the manager promising further movements in the coming weeks to strengthen the squad. In terms of squad additions, Arsenal have already secured two newcomers this summer: Christos Tzolis, who made an immediate impact, and goalkeeper Illan Meslier, who continues to provide competition for the starting spot. Arteta’s remarks in the post‑match press conference emphasized a desire to keep improving, noting that the club will not remain idle while rivals make their own moves. Overall, the 4‑1 victory over Girona offered a comprehensive snapshot of Arsenal’s potential for the upcoming season.
The blend of youthful exuberance, exemplified by Dowman’s dazzling play, and the steady contributions from more experienced players like Havertz and Jesus, paints a picture of a side capable of both creativity and clinical finishing. As the Gunners prepare to travel to Dublin for a friendly against Real Betis, the confidence generated from this performance will likely serve as a solid foundation for the challenges that lie ahead in the Premier League and beyond.