Christos Tzolis marked his unofficial Arsenal debut with a goal as the Premier League champions opened their pre-season campaign with a 4-1 victory over Girona in Spain on Saturday.
The £34million winger, whose signing had attracted little attention amid speculation over Vinicius Junior, started on the left and grew into the match steadily, testing the Girona backline with a series of drives and shots before finding the net just before half-time.
His curling strike into the corner rebounded off Kai Havertz before crossing the line, but the goal was credited to Tzolis. The display was not spectacular, but his persistence in attacking low defensive blocks is an attribute Arsenal lacked at times last season. Tzolis is understood to be viewed as a player who will develop further over time.
Dowman announces himself
Sixteen-year-old Max Dowman was at the forefront of much of Arsenal’s attacking play throughout the match. He provided a through ball that sent Havertz through one-on-one with the goalkeeper, then drove to the edge of the box in the second half to stroke in a goal of his own.
Viktor Gyokeres showed his frustration when Dowman lost the ball early in the game, but the teenager responded well. Observers noted an improvement in his pressing and off-the-ball work rate compared to last season, an area previously flagged as needing attention for an Arteta wide player.
Vieira and Jesus play their parts
Fabio Vieira and Gabriel Jesus were introduced together as substitutes in the 34th minute. Vieira, who returned this summer after a loan spell at Hamburg and is currently listed as available for transfer, contributed to the move that led to Jesus’s goal before being withdrawn 29 minutes later.
Jesus, who was largely a substitute during the previous campaign, showed his neat dribbling skills but was also taken off, exiting on 86 minutes. If he remains at the club into September, finding regular minutes looks set to be a challenge.
Arsenal were without Bukayo Saka and David Raya for the match, their first since the Champions League final.
