Arsenal have several current and former players competing at Euro 2024, but there has been mixed success amongst them so far.
A tournament full of upsets took another twist as Austria beat the Netherlands 3-2, with France also faltering to a shock draw against Poland, meaning that Ralf Rangnick’s side topped a group they were considered outsiders for.
Their victory over Holland saw them deliver an impressive display, but the Netherlands’ performance was a disastrous one at times, and they found themselves 1-0 down at half time.
Former Arsenal youngster Donyell Malen was handed a surprise start on the wing by Ronald Koeman, with reported Mikel Arteta target Xavi Simons dropping to the bench, but he did not justify his selection at all as he broke two unwanted records by half time.
Former Arsenal youngster Donyell Malen breaks two records as Austria beat Netherlands in Euro 2024 shock
Austria took an early lead as Holland scored a bizarre own goal, with Malen suffering a nightmare on his first start of the tournament.
Malen was beaten by Austria left-back Alexander Prass, who then fizzed a cross into the box which he then tried to intercept, but this then found the back of the net.
This goal was significant for several reasons. It was the first own goal the Netherlands have ever conceded at the European Championships in their history, and with the unfortunate strike coming in the sixth minute, it was also the earliest own goal in the history of the competition.
Donyell Malen disappoints in Netherlands defeat to Austria
In addition to his own goal, Malen missed a significant 1v1 chance in the first half as he fired a shot wide, much to his frustration.
The 25-year-old was handed a start in a show of faith by Koeman, but he is unlikely to keep his place, having been substituted in the 72nd minute.
Malen was actually linked with a return to Arsenal in recent months, with the attacker potentially set to depart Borussia Dortmund, but a move to the Emirates looks unlikely, and with the winger failing to impress at the Euros, he will have done himself no favours over a potential transfer.