New signing Christos Tzolis made an encouraging debut and played a key role in the opening goal in Arsenal’s first pre-season game.
Pre-season campaigns often begin with low-key fixtures designed to build fitness and give minutes to a wide range of players. Behind-closed-doors matches allow managers to experiment with line-ups and integrate new arrivals. Young talents frequently use these games to stake a claim for further opportunities.
New signings making their first appearances generate particular interest among supporters. Clean sheets and early goals help create positive momentum as squads prepare for more high-profile friendlies. These contests form an important first step in the build-up to the new season.
READ MORE: Arsenal enter talks to sign Vinicius Jr as per David Ornstein
Arsenal began their 2026/27 preparations with a comfortable 3-0 victory over MK Dons in a behind-closed-doors friendly at the Sobha Realty Training Centre. Reiss Nelson opened the scoring, Ethan Nwaneri added a second before half-time, and Ceadach O’Neill completed the win in the second half.
New signing Christos Tzolis made an encouraging debut and played a key role in the opening goal.
Christos Tzolis linked well with Riccardo Calafiori down the left before setting up Nelson, who smashed the ball into the bottom corner after 10 minutes. Nwaneri then curled a fine effort into the same corner from the edge of the box on 39 minutes following a well-worked corner.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE NOW ARSENAL WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
Christos Tzolis provided an assist in his first match in Arsenal colours this afternoon.
The winger played 45 minutes in a behind-closed-doors friendly match against MK Dons where he set up the opening goal for Reiss Nelson. pic.twitter.com/715yq4EE3B
— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) July 25, 2026
Mikel Arteta made eight changes at the interval, giving the second-half side a more youthful look. Only Kepa Arrizabalaga, Marli Salmon and Louie Copley remained from the first half. Illan Meslier came on for his debut just before the hour mark, while academy players Theo Julienne and Marcell Washington also entered the action.
The third goal arrived when Demiane Agustien’s chipped ball over the top found O’Neill, who rifled home at the near post. Arsenal’s young attackers continued to create chances late on, with Evan Mooney striking the underside of the bar and Ismeal Kabia being denied by the goalkeeper. Meslier preserved the clean sheet with a late save from Daniel Barlaser.
The result provides a solid start to pre-season as the squad prepares to travel to Spain for the next stage of their preparations. Tzolis’ bright debut and the involvement of several academy prospects will have pleased the coaching staff. Further friendlies will offer additional opportunities to build fitness and cohesion ahead of the Community Shield and the Premier League campaign.
NEXT ARTICLE: Chelsea reveal stance on signing Bruno Guimaraes this summer
Christos Tzolis