Dowman dazzles as Arsenal thrash Girona 4-1 to win Costa Brava Trophy

Arsenal eased to a 4-1 victory over Girona in a pre-season friendly at the Estadi Municipal de Montilivi, with teenage sensation Max Dowman once again the standout performer as the Gunners lifted the Costa Brava Trophy.

Dowman set up the opening goal for Kai Havertz before adding one of his own, either side of a deflected strike from summer signing Christos Tzolis and a late finish from Gabriel Jesus. Girona’s consolation came through a thumping header from Arnau Martinez early in the second half.

Dowman continues to impress

The result made it two wins from two in pre-season for Mikel Arteta’s side, following an earlier behind-closed-doors victory over MK Dons at Arsenal’s training ground. But it was the performance of 16-year-old Dowman that dominated the post-match discussion, with the academy graduate again showing why he is being talked about as a genuine first-team option this season.

Having created the opener with a slick assist for Havertz, Dowman then rounded off a fine team move himself, beating former Tottenham goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga at his near post. Tzolis, one of Arsenal’s summer arrivals, doubled the lead with a deflected effort before Martinez’s header briefly threatened a Girona comeback.

Trophy for Arteta’s squad

Gabriel Jesus wrapped up the scoring late on to seal a comfortable 4-1 win, after which captain Ben White lifted the Costa Brava Trophy on behalf of the squad. Havertz, who scored the opener and played a full part in the win, was named player of the match.

Arsenal made changes throughout the match, with reports of a goalkeeping switch at the interval as Arteta rotated his squad ahead of the new campaign. Girona, who faced Arsenal in the Champions League as recently as 18 months ago, endured a difficult season that ended in relegation from LaLiga, and fielded a side including club favourite Cristhian Stuani, who received the biggest ovation of the evening from the home crowd.

Building towards the new season

With around three weeks remaining before Arsenal begin the defence of their Premier League title, the win over Girona will be viewed as further encouraging evidence of Arteta’s squad depth, particularly among the club’s younger players. Dowman’s continued involvement in senior friendlies suggests he could be given more opportunities once competitive fixtures begin.

Read more: Arsenal closing in on Bruno Guimaraes as Howe exit shakes Newcastle

Sources

• dailymail.com
• Evening Standard

This is an independent report written from the facts across the sources named above.