Arsenal Cruise Past Girona as Tzolis Scores on Debut

Dragon Media News Desk

Arsenal defeated Spanish club Girona 4–1 in their first pre-season friendly.

Newly signed Greek winger Christos Tzolis marked his debut with a goal, offering supporters an early glimpse of his ability.

Tzolis joined Arsenal from Belgian side Club Brugge for around £34 million, taking the place of Leandro Trossard, who has moved to Turkish club Besiktas.

Arsenal took the lead in the 16th minute when Kai Havertz converted an excellent pass from 16-year-old Max Dowman.

Tzolis doubled the advantage in the 30th minute after beating defender Arnau Martínez and seeing his shot take a slight deflection before finding the net.

Four minutes after the start of the second half, Martínez headed home from a corner to reduce the deficit for Girona.

However, three minutes later, Dowman scored himself to restore Arsenal’s two-goal advantage.

Gabriel Jesus then added another goal as Arsenal completed a comfortable 4–1 victory.

Manager Mikel Arteta named Viktor Gyökeres, Havertz and Piero Hincapié, all recently returned from the World Cup, in the starting line-up. Each played for around 30 minutes.

Arsenal will play their second pre-season friendly against Real Betis at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland, on August 5.