Arsenal began their pre-season campaign in commanding style with a 4-1 win over Spanish outfit Girona, with new recruit Christos Tzolis marking his debut with a goal. Mikel Arteta made full use of his squad depth in an authoritative display as the Gunners dominated possession and finished sharply in both halves.

Tzolis makes an instant impression

Arsenal fans had been eager to find out how their new £34 million signing would fit into Arteta’s tactical system, and Tzolis delivered an immediate response. Having joined from Club Brugge only last month, the Greece international showed the determination and technical ability to suggest he could prove excellent value in a market where elite stars such as Vinicius Junior attract enormous fees.

The 24-year-old played a key role in Arsenal’s second goal of the afternoon, underlining the aggressive pressing approach Arteta expects from his wide players. After winning the ball back high up the pitch, Tzolis drove inside onto his stronger right foot and fired a powerful low shot. The attempt took a deflection before ending up in the net, rewarding the winger for his relentless effort to trouble the Girona defence.

Dowman shines on the big stage

Although Tzolis was the main new arrival, 16-year-old academy product Max Dowman arguably emerged as the standout performer with a display of remarkable maturity. The Hale End youngster, often referred to as one of the club’s worst-kept secrets, demonstrated exactly why there is so much excitement around his progress. Dowman made his mark early in the match when he produced a brilliant individual moment to create the opener - turning smartly away from pressure before slipping a precise pass through for Kai Havertz to finish calmly into the bottom corner.

Dowman was not done there, though, as he also showed his eye for goal early in the second half. Soon after Arnau Martinez had reduced the deficit for Girona with a header that briefly unsettled the visitors, Dowman took charge. Driving forward confidently down the right side, the teenager cut infield and struck a composed finish beyond the goalkeeper to restore Arsenal’s two-goal advantage.

Senior stars and returning faces

The friendly also gave some of Arsenal’s more experienced players the opportunity to build momentum, with Gabriel Jesus also getting on the scoresheet. Amid continued speculation over his long-term future at the Emirates Stadium, the Brazilian forward reacted quickest in the area to prod home a loose ball after a delivery from Ben White.

Apart from the main names, the game also gave Arsenal the chance to highlight the strength of talent coming through their youth system. Arteta handed playing time to several highly rated youngsters, including Marli Salmon, Andre Harriman-Annous, and Ceadach O’Neill.

Arsenal’s upcoming pre-season schedule and season opener

The Gunners will next head to Dublin for their second pre-season match against Real Betis at the Aviva Stadium on 5 August. Arteta’s team will then continue their summer build-up with fixtures against Borussia Dortmund on 9 August and Como on 12 August, before taking on Manchester City in the Community Shield on 16 August. Arsenal will officially begin their Premier League season on 21 August when they face Coventry City.