Arsenal kicked off their 2026 pre-season schedule in impressive fashion with a convincing 4-1 victory over Girona in Spain, as teenage sensation Max Dowman stole the spotlight with a brilliant all-round display.

The 16-year-old academy graduate produced one goal and one assist to inspire Mikel Arteta’s side in an entertaining encounter.

Dowman showed remarkable composure to set up Kai Havertz for Arsenal’s opening goal with a perfectly weighted through pass before later adding his own name to the scoresheet with a powerful long-range strike.

New signing Christos Tzolis also enjoyed an encouraging debut for the Gunners. The attacker capped an energetic first-half performance by scoring Arsenal’s second goal after his low effort took a slight deflection beyond Girona goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga.

Girona briefly threatened a comeback shortly after the restart when captain Arnau Martinez headed home from a corner to reduce the deficit.

However, Arsenal wasted little time restoring their two-goal advantage as Dowman responded almost immediately with a superb finish from outside the penalty area.

The visitors completed the scoring moments later after a defensive mistake gifted Gabriel Jesus possession inside the box, allowing the Brazilian forward to calmly convert Arsenal’s fourth goal of the evening.

Arteta made numerous substitutions in the closing stages, giving several academy prospects valuable minutes as Arsenal comfortably saw out the contest.

The result provides a positive start to the club’s preparations for the new campaign and offers further evidence of Dowman’s growing reputation as one of the brightest young talents at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal will continue their pre-season programme with another friendly before turning their attention to the start of the 2026/27 competitive season.