Arsenal commenced their preparations for the upcoming 2026/27 season with a convincing 3-0 victory over MK Dons in a behind-closed-doors friendly at the Sobha Realty Training Centre. The match provided Arsenal fans with their first glimpse of summer signing Christos Tzolis, who immediately made an impact by setting up Reiss Nelson's opening goal, before teenager Ethan Nwaneri doubled the lead before the break. Youngster Ceadach O'Neill rounded off the scoring in the second half.
The Gunners set a blistering pace from the first whistle, nearly taking the lead within a minute as Tzolis linked up beautifully with full-back Riccardo Calafiori. Tzolis, operating on the left wing, proved to be a constant menace to the MK Dons backline. In the tenth minute, his persistent work paid off when he found Nelson inside the penalty area, who finished clinically into the bottom corner. Arsenal continued to dominate, with Max Dowman impressing on the opposite flank with his creativity and vision.
Nwaneri's Moment of Magic and Squad Rotation
MK Dons, newly promoted to League One, fought hard to establish a foothold and threatened through veteran forward Callum Paterson, but goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga was equal to his close-range effort. Arsenal eventually capitalized on their superior possession in the 39th minute. Following a well-worked corner routine, the ball found its way to Ethan Nwaneri on the edge of the box, and the highly-rated starlet curled a sublime effort past MK Dons stopper Craig MacGillivray into the bottom corner.
With a comfortable two-goal cushion at halftime, Mikel Arteta rung the changes, introducing a youthful line-up for the second half. Among the substitutions was another summer signing, goalkeeper Illan Meslier, who came on for his club debut in the 59th minute. Despite the high volume of personnel changes, the Gunners maintained their defensive structure and kept a clean sheet against a physical MK Dons side.
O'Neill Seals the Win as Youth Impresses
The Gunners put the game out of reach mid-way through the second half. A brilliant, pinpoint chipped pass over the top from Demiane Agustien picked out Northern Irish youth international Ceadach O'Neill, who controlled the ball before rifling a powerful shot past MacGillivray at his near post. O'Neill's clinical finish capped off an impressive display from Arteta's youngsters.
Arsenal had multiple opportunities to add to their lead late in the game, with Evan Mooney striking the underside of the crossbar and Ismeal Kabia testing MacGillivray in the dying moments. The match concluded with a smart low save from Meslier to deny Daniel Barlaser, sealing a comfortable clean sheet for the North London club. The squad will now head to Girona, Spain, for their intensive pre-season training camp.
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