Arsenal’s bright start in Costa Brava Van as Van de Beek gets hour

Under the floodlights at 22:10 today, Arsenal began their preparation against Girona, juxtaposing the Gunners’ pre‑season ambitions with Girona’s use of Donny van de Beek, who started for the Spaanse club and was withdrawn after just over an hour of play.\n\nArsenal, guided by Mikel Arteta, opened the Trofeu Costa Brava with a convincing 1‑4 victory over the Spanish side, treating the match largely as a training exercise.\n\nThe Premier League champions struggled early to create chances, but sixteen minutes in Kai Havertz broke the deadlock, finishing from an excellent through‑ball by Max Dowman.\n\nNewcomer Christos Tzolis then extended the lead; his close‑range effort was blocked by a defender after goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga had intervened.\n\nAfter the break, Girona captain Arnau Martínez headed in from a corner to make it 1‑2, offering a brief glimpse of resistance.\n\nArsenal responded swiftly: Max Dowman restored a two‑goal cushion, and Gabriel Jesus sealed the final score at 1‑4.\n\nIn the closing stages both teams made numerous substitutions; Arsenal introduced several youth players while Van de Beek earned a cameo for Girona, completing an hour on the pitch.\n\nThe win provides Arsenal with a solid platform for the new campaign, showcasing depth and the ability to integrate new signings while further refining tactics.