Arsenal kicked off their pre-season with an impressive 4-1 victory over Girona at the Estadi Montilivi, showcasing their strength as favorites against the Spanish side. The Gunners made their dominance clear early in the match, with Kai Havertz scoring the opener, followed by a debut goal from new signing Christos Tzolis. In the second half, Max Dowman and Gabriel Jesus added to the tally, sealing a comfortable win for Mikel Arteta's team.

Player Ratings Overview

In the goalkeeping department, Kepa Arrizabalaga received a rating of 6/10. With David Raya absent, Kepa had limited action but managed to fulfill his responsibilities adequately. Ben White, who returned from injury, impressed with a score of 7/10, demonstrating solid defensive skills and making notable forward runs while captaining the side.

Cristhian Mosquera also earned a 7/10 for his performance at right-centre-back, effectively managing his role in the absence of William Saliba. Piero Hincapie, who played for about 30 minutes, received a rating of 6/10 for his solid but brief contribution. Meanwhile, Riccardo Calafiori stood out with a 7.5/10, showcasing his versatility and effectiveness both defensively and in attack.

Standout Performers

Myles Lewis-Skelly was another highlight, earning an 8/10 for his impressive display in midfield. The academy graduate demonstrated his potential, excelling both on and off the ball, which suggests that this position could be his best fit moving forward. In contrast, Ethan Nwaneri struggled to make an impact, receiving a 5/10 after a lackluster performance following his loan at Marseille.

Overall, Arsenal's pre-season opener against Girona was a promising start, with several players, including Dowman, who received a standout rating of 9/10, making strong cases for their roles in the upcoming season.