Ethan Nwaneri scored a screamer and Christos Tzolis assisted on his Arsenal unofficial debut in a behind-closed doors friendly win over MK Dons
15:44, 25 Jul 2026Updated 15:45, 25 Jul 2026
Arsenal beat MK Dons 3-0 in a behind-closed-doors friendly as the Gunners got their pre-season schedule underway. football.london broke the news last week that they would be facing a side at the Sobha Realty Training Centre prior to flying out again to Spain.
With many of the Arsenal squad still on their holidays, Mikel Arteta had a limited squad to choose from. However, there was a chance to give an unofficial debut to new signing Christos Tzolis, who joined from Club Brugge in a £34million move.
The Greek international started on the left of a front three which included Gabriel Jesus and Reiss Nelson. The latter opened the scoring after ten minutes, finding space inside the box before cooly beating Craig MacGillivray in the Dons’ net.
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However, what was most notable was that Christos Tzolis was the man who set up Nelson. The Greek got 29 assists for Club Brugge last season and has kicked off his Arsenal career in good form – and seems already to be forming a good partnership with Riccardo Calafiori.
The lead was doubled just before half-time as Ethan Nwaneri scored a typical goal that many Arsenal fans have become familiar with. Taking possession just outside the box and then curling an effort beyond the keeper.
Mikel Arteta used the half-time break to bring on eight new players, all youngsters from the academy team. Pascal De Maesschalck has become the new Academy Director and will be working closely with many of those involved.
Illan Meslier would come on in the 59th minute with two further youngsters, including exciting left-sided defender Marcel Washington.
But it was one of the half-time substitutes, Ceadach O’Neill, who ran through on goal and finessed a shot to give the Gunners a three-goal lead. The game provided a great first run out for Arteta’s side.
They will now face Girona in Spain on August 1 which should also see the squad bolstered by some returning members of the group fresh off their holidays following the World Cup.
Arsenal first half: Arrizabalaga, Copley, Mosquera, Salmon, Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly, Nwaneri, Nelson, Dowman, Tzolis, Jesus
Arsenal second half: Arrizabalaga (Meslier 59'), Ogunnaike, Salmon (Julienne 59'), Clarke, Copley (Washington 59'), Ibrahim, Agustien, O'Neill, Harriman-Annous, Kabia, Mooney
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