Arsenal rout Girona as Max Dowman stars and Christos Tzolis scores

Max Dowman showcased his talent with a goal and assist as Arsenal secured a 4-1 victory over Girona in their first preseason match before fans. The 16-year-old, coming off a successful 2025-26 season, was a standout performer against the Catalonian side.

Dowman played a crucial role in Arsenal’s opening goal, evading Lass Kourouma and Álex Moreno before delivering a precise through ball to Kai Havertz. The German international capitalized on the opportunity, easily placing the ball past Paulo Gazzaniga to score in the 16th minute.

Arsenal extended their lead in the 30th minute when newcomer Christos Tzolis, who joined for £34 million ($45.7 million) from Club Brugge, scored on his debut. After receiving a pass from Riccardo Calafiori, Tzolis skillfully cut inside Arnau Martínez, and his low shot deflected off Alejandro Francés into the net.

Martínez redeemed himself five minutes into the second half, heading in a corner from Kim Min-Su to score Girona’s first goal. However, Dowman quickly responded, receiving a line-breaking pass from Myles Lewis-Skelly before curling a low shot into the net from the edge of the box.

Despite Girona’s appeals for a free kick before the goal, referee Marta Huerta de Aza allowed play to continue. Just two minutes later, Arsenal added a fourth goal as Ben White’s interception allowed substitute Gabriel Jesus to tap in after a scramble in the box.

With a total of 26 substitutions made during the match, the game ended with Arsenal comfortably securing the win. They will look to carry this momentum into their next match against Real Betis in Dublin on Wednesday, as fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026.