MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY netted an important goal, aiding Arsenal in their pre-season victory against Como. The final score was 1-1, with penalties determining the outcome after Alvaro Morata’s missed penalty in the shootout.
He started the scoring by taking advantage of a significant error from Como’s goalkeeper, Jean Butez, skillfully heading the ball and slotting it into the bottom left corner.
Credit: Getty
Credit: Reuters
A highlight for Arsenal supporters was his celebration, where he created a heart shape with his hands towards the fans amidst speculation about his possible departure.
Martin Baturina equalized just before half-time, executing a brilliant cut to his right foot and finding the top corner, reminiscent of his World Cup goal against England.
Bruno Guimaraes made an impressive debut for Arsenal in the second half, while Kai Havertz believed he had netted a late winner, which was ultimately ruled offside.
As the match concluded 1-1, a penalty shootout followed to determine the winner.
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This is how SunSport correspondent Lloyd Canfield rated the players…
KEPA ARRIZABALAGA – 6
Made one save in the first half before being substituted for David Raya.
He was not seriously tested and had little chance to stop Martin Baturina’s breathtaking equalizer.
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THEO JULIENNE – 6
The young talent stood out at right-back, displaying composure and effective tackling against a promising winger in Assane Diao.
He faced more challenges against Martin Baturina when shifting to the left. While blame may be attributed to him for the goal, he still had a commendable performance.
MARLI SALMON – 8
A truly solid performance for such a young defender. He matched Gabriel’s presence, which is high praise.
Confident on the ball, he won more duels than any other Arsenal player, consistently ready to clear defensive duties—playing well beyond his years.
Credit: Getty
GABRIEL – 6
Showed impressive ball-handling skills while playing from the back and maintained his usual physical presence in defense.
PIERO HINCAPIE – 6
Displayed good ball-handling at left-back but could have provided more support for Martinelli offensively.
Nonetheless, he was solid defensively, making several effective tackles, interceptions, and recoveries.
MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 8
After a week surrounded by transfer rumors, he celebrated his goal—thanks to a blunder from Como keeper Jean Butez—by forming a heart shape with his hands.
If Manchester United or Chelsea were scouting, they would likely take notice after his comprehensive midfield display.
Credit: Getty
EBERECHI EZE – 7
Played a slightly deeper role than usual but remained engaged in the attack, nearly scoring with an early free-kick and significantly contributing to Arteta’s squad.
However, he was substituted early by Arteta and replaced by Fabio Vieira.
MAX DOWMAN – 6
Provided an exciting presence on the right, revealing glimpses of his skill and quick feet.
Though closely monitored by multiple Como defenders, he managed to impress—easy to forget he is still young.
ETHAN NWANERI – 6
Showed great intensity early on with solid tackles and tidy footwork, but often lacked the finishing touch.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7
Assisted Myles Lewis-Skelly’s opening goal and consistently excelled in overall play, showcasing skillful dribbles and quick bursts of pace down the left side.
Credit: Reuters
GABRIEL JESUS – 4
Seemed to waste a clear opportunity early on, only for the offside flag to spare him from embarrassment—before being substituted early for Viktor Gyokeres.
That was his only real chance, as he had limited influence in the match and did not leave a strong impression.
SUBS:
VIKTOR GYOKERES (GABRIEL JESUS, 32) – 5
Did not leave a significant mark during his brief time on the field.
Had a few decent hold-up plays, but little else to highlight due to limited support.
FABIO VIEIRA (EBERECHI EZE, 32) – 5
Like Gyokeres, his time on the pitch was short, limiting his opportunity to shine.
Had a few good passes and moments of dribbling, but nothing remarkable.
BRUNO GUIMARAES (MAX DOWMAN, HT) – 7
Quickly became a fan favorite at the Emirates, displaying strong tackling and passing on his debut.
Chants of “Bruno, Bruno, Bruno” rang out in support of the dynamic midfielder, who anchored the Gunners effectively with stellar defensive play.
He also successfully converted his penalty during the shootout.
Credit: PA
DAVID RAYA (KEPA ARRIZABALAGA, HT) – 6
Met expectations by making a straightforward save in the second half while demonstrating good ball control.
CRISTHIAN MOSQUERA (GABRIEL, HT) – 6
Came close to scoring for Arsenal with a second-half header saved by Butez.
Looked alert and quick defensively, positioned well to step in for William Saliba if needed.
MARTIN ODEGAARD (ETHAN NWANERI, HT) – 6
Helped maintain ball movement for Arsenal but struggled to generate many scoring opportunities for his teammates.
Displayed good passing and a couple of effective dribbles but lacked the necessary end product.
RICCIARDO CALAFIORI (MARLI SALMON, 60) – 6
Handled his defensive duties well but didn’t contribute offensively when the team required goals.
KAI HAVERTZ (VIKTOR GYOKERES, 60) – 7
Came close to giving his team the lead in the second half but missed with a left-footed shot that went just wide.
Thought he had secured a dramatic late winner, only for the linesman’s offside decision to halt the celebrations.
Nonetheless, he was creative and troubled Como more than Gyokeres or Jesus did.
Credit: AFP
MIKEL MERINO (PIERO HINCAPIE, 60) – 6
Had numerous touches with decent passing and defensive contributions, but like others, was unable to produce a match-winning moment.
NONI MADUEKE (FABIO VIEIRA, 60) – 6
Also came very close to finding a winner but lacked the finishing touch.
Was more inventive than many players in the match but seemed a tad too cautious.
It felt as if everyone in the stadium was anticipating his miss in the shootout.
CHRISTOS TZOLIS (GABRIEL MARTINELLI, 60) – 6
Did not make a significant impact from the left side, particularly since Martinelli was lively at times—often not involved in the game.
Earned a bonus point for confidently converting the decisive winning penalty.
BEN WHITE (THEO JULIENNE, 60) – 6
Like Calafiori on the opposite flank, defensively solid but lacking in offensive contributions with the match level.
JOSH OGUNNAIKE (MARLI SALMON, 88) – N/A
Didn’t have enough time to make an impact.
