Max Dowman impressed and Christos Tzolis scored on his Arsenal debut as the Premier League champions kick-started their pre-season with a thumping 4-1 win over Girona.

Arsenal's preparations for the 2026-27 campaign got off to a flying start at Estadi Municipal de Montilivi, where Kai Havertz, Tzolis, Dowman and Gabriel Jesus were on target.

The Gunners could have gone ahead after just eight minutes, when Riccardo Calafiori headed straight at Girona goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga from close range.

But Arsenal took their next chance, with Dowman slipping a fantastic pass through for Havertz, who fired into the bottom-right corner. 

Tzolis, fresh from his move from Club Brugge, created a great chance in the 26th minute, but Viktor Gyokeres was unable to adjust his feet to get a shot away from the cutback.

And Arsenal's lead was extended three minutes later as Tzolis cut inside and curled into the corner, via a deflection off Alejandro Frances.

Full-back Arnau Martinez pulled one back for Girona five minutes into the second half, but Arsenal swiftly restored their two-goal cushion as Dowman drilled in a low finish from the edge of the box.

Arsenal rounded out their scoring two minutes later, with Ben White's interception playing in Jesus, who prodded home to cap off a resounding win.

Goals galore in Girona pic.twitter.com/5jSQ7u1mZg

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 1, 2026

Dowman dazzles as Gunners fire up front

Arsenal's success last term was built on their rock-solid defence, but Mikel Arteta's team, who were without regulars David Raya, Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli, are certainly capable of the spectacular going forward.

And in Dowman, they have one of English football's brightest young talents.

The 16-year-old, who last season became the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history, not only scored and provided a sublime assist, but he also attempted seven dribbles, four more than any other player.

Dowman completed three of those, while only White (six) won more duels than the winger (five).

Arsenal were clinical, scoring with four of their five attempts on target and creating chances worth 1.77 expected goals, with 1.33 xG coming from open-play shots.

The Gunners continue their preparations by taking on Real Betis on Wednesday.