Arsenal opened their public pre-season schedule with an impressive 4-1 victory over Girona, with Max Dowman producing the standout performance in Spain.
The Arsenal player ratings vs Girona also make good reading for Christos Tzolis, Myles Lewis-Skelly and academy defender Marli Salmon.
Kai Havertz opened the scoring from Dowman’s excellent through ball before Tzolis marked his first public Arsenal appearance with a goal. Arnau Martinez pulled one back after half-time, but Dowman quickly restored the two-goal advantage before Gabriel Jesus completed the scoring.
ReadArsenal highlighted Dowman and Tzolis as two of the players to watch in its match preview, and both justified that billing. Girona vs Arsenal: Prediction, team news and predicted lineups
Arsenal player ratings vs Girona
Kepa Arrizabalaga – 6
Had relatively little to do during Arsenal’s strongest spell. Could do little about Girona’s headed goal and otherwise kept things simple.
Ben White – 7
A useful return after his knee problems. Looked stronger as the game progressed and helped create Jesus’ goal with his work on the right.
Cristhian Mosquera – 7
Composed and comfortable in possession. Rarely looked troubled during his hour on the pitch.
Piero Hincapie – 6
Only given around half an hour as Arteta managed his workload following the World Cup. Solid without having enough time to dominate.
Riccardo Calafiori – 7.5
One of Arsenal’s more influential defenders going forward. Stepped into midfield regularly and helped create Tzolis’ goal.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 8
Excellent in central midfield. Received the ball under pressure, progressed possession cleanly and looked completely comfortable back in his natural position.
Ethan Nwaneri – 6
Tidy without being particularly influential. Dowman and Lewis-Skelly had a much bigger impact around him.
Nwaneri’s future has already attracted attention this summer, with ReadArsenal reporting that AC Milan have made an enquiry for the 19-year-old. AC Milan make enquiry to sign Arsenal’s forgotten star
Max Dowman – 9 – Man of the Match
Arsenal’s best player. His perfectly weighted pass created Havertz’s opener before he scored himself after half-time with a superb finish from outside the area. A goal and an assist from the 16-year-old was another reminder of his exceptional talent.
Kai Havertz – 8
Made his limited minutes count. Timed his run perfectly for the opener and finished calmly before making way as Arteta managed his workload.
Christos Tzolis – 8.5
A hugely encouraging first appearance in front of Arsenal supporters. Direct from the left, willing to attack his defender and took his goal confidently.
Viktor Gyokeres – 6
Only played around half an hour and received very little service. His movement was useful, although he never had a clear opportunity to threaten the Girona goal.
Arsenal substitutes impress
Marli Salmon – 8
Replaced Hincapie early and looked completely at home at centre-back. Calm on the ball and physically comfortable against senior opposition.
Gabriel Jesus – 7.5
Made an immediate impact after replacing Gyokeres. Reacted sharply and finished confidently for Arsenal’s fourth goal.
Fabio Vieira – 6
Kept possession moving without making a major impact in attacking areas.
Illan Meslier – 8
Another encouraging outing from the summer signing. Made several strong saves after coming on and looked composed with the ball.
Ife Ibrahim – 7
A very promising cameo. The tall midfielder looked assured in possession and handled the physical side of the game well.
Louie Copley – 7
Asked to operate at right-back and acquitted himself well. Showed confidence when joining attacks and did not look out of place.
Arsenal made eight changes after 62 minutes as Arteta gave several academy players valuable senior exposure. The overall display provided plenty of positives, but Dowman was comfortably the biggest story of the evening.
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