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Four things we learnt from Arsenal's 4-1 pre-season victory over Girona

Max Dowman and Gabriel Jesus Celebrate as Arsenal Take a 3-1 Lead Over Girona (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

Arsenal ran out comfortable 4-1 winners in their opening match of pre-season, downing Girona to give Mikel Arteta plenty of encouragement moving forward towards the Gunners' opening Premier League fixture against Coventry on 21st August.

Goals from Kai Havertz, new boy Christos Tzolis, Max Dowman, and Gabriel Jesus took the game away from the Spanish outfit, whose only goal came from a fine header past Kepa Arrizabalaga moments before Dowman fired home Arsenal's third.

A fully changed 11 for the final 30 minutes also gave the Gunners' boss the opportunity to view some of the fresh talent emerging from the academy and give some well earned first team experience to the young Guns.

Here are four things we learnt from the friendly.

Dowman's standout performance

GIRONA, SPAIN - AUGUST 01: Max Dowman of Arsenal during the during the pre-season match match between Girona FC and Arsenal FC at Montilivi Stadium on August 01, 2026 in Girona, Spain. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

A goal and an assist for Max Dowman showcased once again what a talent the Premier League champions have on their books, and he's only going to get better.

Turning neatly in the middle of the pitch and delivering an inch perfect through ball to set up Havertz for the opening goal of the game, provided the first bit of real quality, with Dowman's movement and precision underlining the maturity he shows beyond his age.

The 16-year-old was awarded Arsenal's goal of the season for his memorable solo run against Everton back in March, and this time he picked up the ball from Myles Lewis-Skelly before unleashing into the bottom right corner from just outside the box, a combination that Arsenal fans will hope to see more of this season.

Tzolis impresses on debut

GIRONA, SPAIN - AUGUST 01: Christos Tzolis of Arsenal during the during the pre-season match match between Girona FC and Arsenal FC at Montilivi Stadium on August 01, 2026 in Girona, Spain. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Arsenal's new number 17 was played from the start on the left hand side of the Gunners' attack and the first aspect of his game to note was his willingness to do his defensive duties and get stuck in physically, a trait that Arteta will love to see in his offensive players.

Tzolis then netted his first Arsenal goal to double his side's advantage when he cut inside and curled a deflected effort into the far corner.

Following the departure of Leandro Trossard, the Greek international's display will surely encourage fans that he will play a pivotal role in what will hopefully be another successful campaign.

Playing for places or transfers?

GIRONA, SPAIN - AUGUST 01: Reiss Nelson of Arsenal during the during the pre-season match match between Girona FC and Arsenal FC at Montilivi Stadium on August 01, 2026 in Girona, Spain. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

As is always the case in pre-season, the return of those who were out on loan last season has sparked conversation around certain players' futures.

Ethan Nwaneri started the game in midfield, before Fabio Vieira and Reiss Nelson entered the fray, and while the man who still holds the title of being the youngest ever Premier League appearance maker is still considered to be a future star at the club, Vieira and Nelson both throw up question marks.

Neither were overly effective, and with potential signings arriving in midfield and attack, the pair may find themselves struggling for minutes if they stay at the club. The coming weeks will be interesting with regards how involved they are this season.

Minutes in the legs

A 30 minute run out from the start for Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz, and Piero Hincapie was always the plan for Arteta, as the trio had all made it to the World Cup knockout stages and so had only just returned from short holidays.

A plethora of youngsters were heavily involved throughout, alongside the more experienced first team players in what was a highly energetic clash that will have served as a very useful warm-up for the upcoming season.

Next up is Real Betis in Dublin on 5th August, and Arsenal will hope to carry their fine goalscoring form into the encounter with a whole heap of first team regulars set to return in the coming weeks.

Credit: NurPhoto/ GettyImages

Ready to capitalise on a first Premier League title in 22 years (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

The club captain and fan favourite is reportedly on the brink of a switch to the Gunners (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

Credit: NurPhoto/ GettyImages

LONDON COLNEY, ENGLAND - JULY 23: Arsenal unveil new signing Christos Tzolis at Sobha Realty Training Centre on July 23, 2026 in London Colney, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Arsenal had six former Hale End graduates earn a Premier League medal last season (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

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