Arsenal delivered a resounding 4-1 victory over Girona in their pre-season encounter at Montilivi, with Max Dowman stealing the show with a goal and an assist. The 16-year-old was instrumental in the Gunners' dominant display, setting up Kai Havertz for the opener with a sublime turn and through-ball. Christos Tzolis, making his debut, also impressed with a deflected finish to double the lead. Although Girona briefly threatened a comeback after half-time, courtesy of an Arnau Martinez header, Dowman responded with a powerful finish from outside the box.
A defensive mix-up later allowed Gabriel Jesus to seal the win. The match saw a plethora of changes for both sides, with Arsenal's makeshift lineup, filled with academy products, guiding Mikel Arteta's team to victory ahead of their clash with Real Betis in Dublin. Key moments included Dowman's magic moment, setting up Havertz for the opener, and Tzolis' debut goal, which was just reward for his impressive performance. The win showcased Arsenal's attacking prowess, despite missing several key players, with Dowman and Tzolis forming a potent partnership.
The team's summer transfer activity was also discussed, with Arteta expressing ambition and a desire to improve the squad, amidst interest in Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior.