Christos Tzolis and Max Dowman have given Mikel Arteta a major selection decision after again impressing during Arsenal’s 3-2 defeat by Borussia Dortmund.
Both started out wide at the Emirates Stadium and provided some of Arsenal’s most dangerous attacking moments despite a second successive pre-season loss.
Tzolis created Ethan Nwaneri’s second-half goal before winning the penalty converted by Viktor Gyokeres, while Dowman caused Dortmund problems from the right and created an early opportunity which Gyokeres struck against the crossbar.
Their performances come at an interesting time for Arteta as several senior attacking players prepare to return following the World Cup.
Christos Tzolis for Arsenal in pre-season:
🅰️ vs. MK Dons
⚽️ vs. Girona
🅰️ vs. Real Betis
🅰️ + penalty won vs. Borussia Dortmund
Thoughts on his performances so far, Gooners? 🤔🇬🇷 pic.twitter.com/zqU1RUp51N
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) August 9, 2026
Tzolis and Dowman pushing for Arsenal starts
Tzolis has been one of Arsenal’s most productive players throughout pre-season.
The £34million summer signing had already contributed against MK Dons, Girona and Real Betis before producing another two decisive moments against Dortmund.
ReadArsenal highlighted Tzolis’ encouraging start last week, with his ability to create chances and offer another set-piece option quickly giving Arteta something different on the left.
His performance on Sunday strengthened that argument.
The Greece international repeatedly looked prepared to attack his defender and was involved in both Arsenal goals before being substituted.
Dowman has also used the summer well.
The 16-year-old started again on the right and produced one of Arsenal’s best first-half moments when he beat his opponent before supplying Gyokeres, whose effort hit the woodwork.
The Athletic believes the pair could remain important during Arsenal’s opening fixtures if Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze need time to regain full match sharpness following their post-World Cup breaks.
That does not mean Arteta’s established attackers suddenly face losing their places permanently.
It does mean he has alternatives who already look ready to contribute.
Arsenal face Manchester City in the Community Shield next Sunday, and another friendly against Como comes first on Wednesday.
Tzolis and Dowman have given Arteta a genuine decision over whether to reward the players who have built rhythm throughout pre-season or immediately restore his returning internationals.
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