Arsenal wrapped up their pre-season campaign with a penalty shootout victory over Como after the two sides played out a 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night.
The Gunners eventually prevailed 4-3 on penalties, with goalkeeper David Raya playing a crucial role in the shootout by saving two of Como’s attempts.
The match also gave Arsenal supporters their first opportunity to see new signing Bruno Guimarães in an Arsenal shirt.
Lewis-Skelly puts Arsenal ahead
Arsenal started brightly and created several opportunities during the opening stages, with Eberechi Eze among those looking dangerous in the final third.
The breakthrough eventually came after a mistake by Como goalkeeper Jean Butez.
Myles Lewis-Skelly reacted quickest to the loose ball and finished calmly to put Arsenal in front.
The goal was particularly significant for the young midfielder, who has been the subject of transfer speculation in recent days.
Rather than celebrating wildly, Lewis-Skelly appeared to send a message to the Arsenal supporters, making a heart gesture towards the crowd.
Como respond before half-time
Como refused to sit back after conceding and gradually began finding spaces in the Arsenal defence.
Their pressure eventually paid off when Martin Baturina produced an impressive individual effort to restore parity shortly before half-time.
The Croatian midfielder created space before firing beyond Arsenal goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga to make it 1-1.
Arsenal therefore went into the break level.
Guimarães makes his Arsenal debut
Mikel Arteta made several changes after the interval, with the biggest talking point being the introduction of Bruno Guimarães.
The Brazilian midfielder, who joined Arsenal from Newcastle, made his first appearance for the club and immediately showed his willingness to compete in midfield.
His debut was watched closely by Arsenal supporters as the club prepares for the start of the competitive campaign.
Martin Ødegaard was also introduced as Arsenal looked for a winner.
The Gunners created further opportunities but struggled to find the decisive finish.
Kai Havertz thought he had scored late in the game, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside.
Como also had chances to snatch victory, but Raya made important saves to ensure the match remained level.
Raya the hero in the shootout
With the game finishing 1-1 after 90 minutes, the contest was decided by penalties.
Arsenal converted four of their five attempts, while Como managed three.
Raya proved decisive, saving penalties from Ivan Smolčić and former Chelsea striker Álvaro Morata.
Bruno Guimarães also successfully converted his penalty for Arsenal, adding another positive moment to his debut.
Christos Tzolis then stepped up with the opportunity to finish the shootout.
The Greek forward made no mistake, sending his penalty into the top corner to secure a 4-3 victory for Arsenal.
Arsenal turn attention to Manchester City
The victory brings Arsenal’s pre-season preparations to a close.
Despite finishing the match with another draw inside 90 minutes, the penalty success gives Arteta’s side some confidence heading into their first competitive fixture.
Arsenal’s next assignment will be the Community Shield against Manchester City on Sunday, August 16.
For Arteta, the Como game provided another opportunity to assess his squad before the pressure of competitive football begins.
For Arsenal supporters, the performances of Lewis-Skelly and the arrival of Guimarães will be among the biggest talking points as the new season approaches.
