Arsenal Pre-Season Friendlies: Max Dowman Shines, Attack Needs Boost

Arsenal pre-season friendlies have provided both excitement and concern for fans as Mikel Arteta’s side gears up for the 2025-26 campaign. The Gunners secured three wins from five, but lingering gaps suggest there’s work ahead if they are to end their trophy drought this season.

Key Takeaways from Arsenal Pre-Season Friendlies

The summer preparations saw Arsenal display flashes of brilliance, most notably in their convincing win over Athletic Club. New signing Viktor Gyokeres opened his account with a goal, lifting the Emirates crowd and injecting optimism. However, defeats to Tottenham and Villarreal exposed vulnerabilities, raising questions about consistency and squad depth.

Max Dowman: Arsenal’s Teenage Prodigy Impresses

Among the standout performers, teenage wonderkid Max Dowman has been a revelation. The young midfielder demonstrated maturity beyond his years, with composed performances against seasoned opposition in Asia and at home. His vision, work rate, and tactical intelligence suggest he is ready to contribute at the highest level now, giving fans hope for the future.

Arsenal’s Attack Still Needs Reinforcement

Despite Dowman’s emergence and Gyokeres’ promising start, concerns remain about Arsenal’s attacking options. Over the course of pre-season, the lack of depth up front was evident, especially when facing disciplined defences. With Gabriel Jesus’s injury record and the heavy demands of a title challenge, the Gunners risk falling short unless they add another quality attacker before the transfer window closes.

Defensive Shape and Midfield Balance

Defensively, Arsenal looked solid in spells but struggled when pressed by elite teams. William Saliba and Ben White continue to form a reliable centre-back partnership, yet the midfield’s balance is still a work in progress. Declan Rice’s leadership is vital, but the team needs more dynamism alongside him to control games consistently.

Are Arsenal Ready for the New Season?

The pre-season friendlies have been a valuable testing ground, revealing both strengths and weaknesses. While Arsenal’s youngsters like Dowman offer hope and the new signings show promise, the squad is not yet the finished article. If Arteta’s men are to compete with Manchester City and Liverpool domestically and make a mark in Europe, shoring up their attack and maintaining defensive discipline will be crucial.

Outlook: Title Dreams and Realities

As the Premier League kick-off approaches, Arsenal fans are right to be optimistic about the progress under Arteta. However, the pre-season results serve as a reminder that ambition must be matched by smart squad building. For more news and updates on Arsenal’s journey, visit for more news.

Opinion: A Step Forward, But Not Quite There

In my view, Arsenal have taken meaningful steps this pre-season, with Max Dowman’s emergence a genuine bright spot. Yet, unless the Gunners address their attacking depth soon, another near-miss in the title race could be on the cards. The foundation is strong—now it’s time to finish building.