Photo: YantsImages / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons
Arsenal concluded their 2026 pre-season campaign with a 4-3 penalty shootout victory over Como 1907 at Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, with the match finishing 1-1 after normal time.
Myles Lewis-Skelly opened the scoring after pouncing on a weak clearance from goalkeeper Jean Butez, with Gabriel Martinelli chesting the ball down for the midfielder to slot home. It was Lewis-Skelly's first goal since Arsenal's 5-1 win over Manchester City in February 2025.
Como levelled just before half-time through Martin Baturina, who danced past two defenders before firing a powerful shot beyond Kepa Arrizabalaga to make it 1-1.
Bruno Guimaraes made his Arsenal debut in the second half following his move from Newcastle United, with a recovery tackle on Jesus Rodriguez drawing applause from the crowd. Arsenal pressed for a winner in normal time — David Raya denied Rodriguez twice late on, and a Kai Havertz goal was ruled out for offside — before the game went to spot kicks.
In the shootout, Raya saved efforts from Ivan Smolcic and former Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata. Noni Madueke hit the post for Arsenal, keeping the score at 3-3 before Christos Tzolis fired into the top corner to seal a 4-3 victory.
Arsenal's attention now turns to the Community Shield against Manchester City on Sunday, August 16, at the Millennium Stadium, before their Premier League opener against Coventry City at Emirates Stadium on Friday, August 21.