Downman and Havertz spark Arsenal’s Trofeu Costa Brava triumph
El Arsenal stormed Montilivi with a dazzling start as 16‑year‑old Max Downman slipped past Girona’s defence and Kai Havertz calmly finished, giving the Gunners a 1‑0 lead in the 49th Trofeu Costa Brava. The English side would eventually triumph 4‑1 over Girona.
Mikel Arteta’s pupils opened the can with a slippery Downman and a precise Havertz, a combination highlighted by David Aparicio. Los Gunners displayed the law of the favourite from the first whistle, setting the tone for the match.
Tzolis added to the party after the break and Arnau Martínez surged with heart‑filled runs to cut the distance. The law of the favourite resonated in Montilivi as two almost consecutive goals sealed the encounter.
A Girona‑Arsenal clash a couple of seasons ago would have meant an official, high‑profile fixture, yet Girona has since slid “downhill and without brakes”, culminating in relegation to the Segunda División. Some players slated to leave have remained under Quique Álvarez’s orders.
Un Max Downman proved relentless in the three‑quarter zone, finding the key to open the scoring after Riccardo Calafiori’s header blocked Paulo Gazzaniga. He beat two defenders to set up Havertz, who did not miss.
Arsenal’s defence held firm with Piero Hincapié locking down Minsu and Vanat. Lewis‑Skelly filtered a pass to Havertz, but Gazzaniga stayed alert. Arnau Martínez tried a long‑range effort that drifted wide, while David López kept the tempo for the Gunners.
In the second half Alex Moreno forced a corner, Vanat’s rebound failed to trouble Kepa, and Minsu’s corner saw Arnau Martínez rocket forward, providing a burst of energy. Downman again crossed a shot that Gazzaniga could not stop, and Gabriel Jesús capitalised on a lapse to net Arsenal’s fourth goal.
Cristian Stuani entered in the final minutes with little impact, and Abel Ruiz lamented after Iván Martín’s great pass went unfilled. The Arsenal victory secured the 49th Trofeu Costa Brava, underscoring their dominance at Montilivi.