Three encouraging signs from Arsenal’s 3-0 pre-season win over MK Dons

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Full reportvia Yahoo Sports · Jul 26, 1:00 PM

Three encouraging signs from Arsenal’s 3-0 pre-season win over MK Dons

Arsenal began preparations for the 2026/27 campaign with a comfortable 3-0 victory over MK Dons in a behind-closed-doors friendly at the Sobha Realty Training Centre.

Reiss Nelson opened the scoring after being set up by new signing Christos Tzolis , Ethan Nwaneri added a fine second before half-time, and academy youngster Ceadach O’Neill completed the scoring after the break.

The result itself will not carry much significance once the competitive action begins, but there were several encouraging signs for Mikel Arteta as Arsenal got their first pre-season minutes into the legs.

Tzolis makes an immediate impression

Tzolis could hardly have asked for a more positive introduction to life in an Arsenal shirt.

The Greek winger was involved inside the opening minute when he created an opportunity for Nelson, before later combining effectively with Riccardo Calafiori down the left to provide the assist for Arsenal’s opening goal.

After exchanging passes around the MK Dons defence, Tzolis found Nelson inside the area and the Englishman finished confidently into the bottom corner.

It was only a low-key friendly, but the early signs were promising. Tzolis looked comfortable operating from the left, linked well with Calafiori and repeatedly attempted to create chances for those around him.

That relationship on Arsenal’s left flank could be worth watching during the remainder of pre-season, particularly as Arteta considers how best to use his new arrival alongside the club’s existing attacking options.

There was also a debut for Arsenal’s first summer signing Illan Meslier during the second half. Meslier replaced Kepa Arrizabalaga shortly before the hour mark and later made a good low save from Daniel Barlaser to preserve Arsenal’s clean sheet.

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Arsenal’s youngsters seize another opportunity

Arteta used the fixture to give several academy players valuable senior minutes, particularly after making eight changes at half-time.

Nwaneri was among the first-half standouts and doubled Arsenal’s advantage in the 39th minute. After a worked corner reached him on the edge of the penalty area, the attacker produced a composed curling finish beyond Craig MacGillivray.

Max Dowman was another bright presence before the break, with one excellent crossfield pass creating an opportunity for Nelson. Although the winger was denied a second goal, Dowman again demonstrated the confidence and technical quality that have made him one of the most discussed players in Arsenal’s academy.

The youthful second-half side faced greater pressure from MK Dons but still managed to add a third. Demiane Agustien delivered a clever chipped pass over the defence for O’Neill, who controlled the situation well before firing powerfully into the near post.

Evan Mooney came close to adding another when his powerful effort struck the underside of the crossbar, while Ismeal Kabia also had a late opportunity after being played through by O’Neill.

The number of young players involved was perhaps the most valuable aspect of the afternoon. Pre-season provides Arteta with an opportunity to assess which academy prospects may be ready for further first-team involvement, and several gave him something to think about.

Arsenal will face far tougher tests in the coming weeks, but a clean sheet, encouraging debuts and goals from both senior and academy players represent a positive beginning before the squad heads to Girona for its training camp.

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