Arsenal don begin their 2026/27 preparations with a 3-0 win over MK Dons for a behind-closed-doors friendly at Sobha Realty Training Centre. Reiss Nelson, Ethan Nwaneri, and Ceadach O’Neill score the goals.
New signing Christos Tzolis make im debut and assist Nelson for the first goal after 10 minutes. The Greek winger link well with Riccardo Calafiori down the left side before feeding Nelson wey smash the ball inside bottom corner.
Max Dowman also shine for the first half, releasing Nelson with a fine crossfield pass, but the striker shot blocked. MK Dons almost equalize through Callum Paterson, but Kepa Arrizabalaga make a close-range save.
Nwaneri double the lead six minutes before halftime. A well-worked corner reach am on edge of box, and the midfielder curl im finish beyond Craig MacGillivray.
Arteta make eight changes at interval. Only Kepa, Marli Salmon, and Louie Copley remain. The visitors create chances after restart, but Jack Burke and Rushian Hepburn-Murphy fire over.
Arteta bring summer signing Illan Meslier for his debut, alongside Theo Julienne and Marcell Washington. Former Arsenal academy player Cohen Bramall involved for MK Dons, but Paterson miss header.
Arsenal score third through O’Neill. Demiane Agustien chip ball over top, and O’Neill rifle into near post. Evan Mooney later hit crossbar, and Ismeal Kabia denied by MacGillivray.
Meslier complete clean sheet with late save from Daniel Barlaser low effort. The result give Tzolis encouraging start after his £34million arrival from Club Brugge. Arsenal now travel to Spain for training camp before facing Girona on 1 August.
