Arsenal launched their 2026/27 pre-season campaign in emphatic fashion, sweeping aside Girona 4-1 at the Estadi Municipal de Montilivi to lift the Costa Brava Trophy.
Mikel Arteta selected an attack-minded starting lineup featuring Viktor Gyökeres, Christos Tzolis and teenage sensation Max Dowman. Kai Havertz and Ethan Nwaneri offered additional support from midfield, while Ben White captained the Gunners on his return from injury.
After a scrappy opening, Arsenal broke the deadlock in the 16th minute through Havertz. Dowman escaped his marker with an excellent turn before sliding a perfectly weighted pass into the German’s path. Havertz remained composed and guided his finish beyond former Tottenham goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga.
The Gunners doubled their advantage around the half-hour mark when summer signing Tzolis collected the ball inside the penalty area and fired into the bottom corner, registering his first Arsenal goal. The strike gave Arteta’s men a comfortable 2-0 lead at halftime.
Girona briefly threatened a comeback five minutes after the restart. Arnau Martínez punished poor marking from a corner, powering a header beyond Kepa Arrizabalaga to reduce the deficit.
However, Arsenal’s response was immediate and ruthless.
Dowman restored the two-goal cushion just three minutes later, driving a brilliant left-footed effort into the bottom corner from outside the penalty area. The 16-year-old completed an impressive performance with one goal and one assist, strengthening his case for more first-team opportunities.
Gabriel Jesus then ended Girona’s resistance in the 55th minute. The Brazilian capitalized on defensive uncertainty and confidently converted after being supplied by White, making it 4-1.
Arteta used the remainder of the friendly to rotate his squad and provide valuable minutes to several young players. Despite Girona’s late attempts to produce another goal, Arsenal comfortably protected their commanding advantage.
The victory delivered fitness, confidence and silverware for the Gunners as preparations intensify for the new campaign. Arsenal will continue their pre-season schedule against Real Betis in Dublin on August 5 before returning to London for further warm-up fixtures.
