As an eclipse cast a temporary shadow over London, Arsenal looked to brighten their pre-season preparations with their final match of pre-season against Cesc Fabregas' Como.
Following rumours of a potential exit, **Myles Lewis-Skelly** silenced the noise, jumping on a mistake from Jean Butez to slot the ball into the back of the net, before celebrating with a heart gesture towards the crowd.
**Martin Baturina** restored parity on the cusp of half-time, curling a superb effort into the top-left corner beyond Kepa. You can relive their final match of pre-season against Cesc Fabregas' Como.
**Ratings:**
**Kepa Arrizabalaga - 6**
A much more composed performance compared to his last few outings. Made a good save to deny Baturina's curling effort, although he could have arguably done better at his near post when beaten by the Croatian international late in the first half.
**Theo Julienne - 6**
Did well on his first start**.** Ironically denied Gabriel a set-piece goal with a block off the line. Needs time to adapt to the setup, but looked comfortable operating as a right-back out of possession before inverting into central midfield when on the ball. Slightly overcommitted on Baturina, leading to Como's equaliser.
**Marli Salmon - 8**
The only player to feature for **86 minutes**. Received a standing ovation from the fans, as well as praise from Alvaro Morata. Remained composed, with the 16-year-old showing excellent passing accuracy and winning nine of his 13 duels.
**Gabriel - 6**
Back into the rhythm with his second pre-season start. Went down holding his ankle midway through the first half but was able to continue until the break.
**Piero Hincapie - 6**
Did all the simple things well. Showed good awareness to thread passes into midfield and initiate Arsenal's attacking phases. Put himself in contention to start ahead of **Riccardo Calafiori** on Sunday.
**Myles Lewis-Skelly - 8**
The talk of the town after intermediaries reportedly offered the Hale End graduate to both Chelsea and Manchester United on Tuesday. Showed no signs of being affected by the headlines, dictating play and drifting through the midfield. Capitalised on an error from Butez to **open the scoring** before celebrating with a heart gesture towards the Arsenal fans.
**Eberechi Eze - 7**
Showed positive glimpses in his first minutes since returning from World Cup duty. Fired a free-kick narrowly wide inside the opening three minutes. Unselfishly set up Gabriel Jesus, but he missed the resulting open goal. Withdrawn after 30 minutes as part of the regular protocol for players returning from holiday.
**Ethan Nwaneri - 6**
Showed some encouraging signs, with excellent footwork on the ball and linking up play with the front three. Looked comfortable back in a familiar midfield role after spending time on the wing while on loan at Marseille last season.
**Max Dowman - 6**
Continues to show why he warrants more game time this season. His neat footwork caused Alex Valle plenty of problems, and was always keen to run at defenders and drive into the box.
**Gabriel Jesus - 5**
Should have done much better to open the scoring after being teed up on a plate by Eze, but struck the post from an open goal. Substituted on the half-hour mark for **Viktor Gyokeres** after a disappointing outing.
**Gabriel Martinelli - 6**
Made some promising runs down the left flank, but his end product was generally disappointing. Showed good awareness to pick out Lewis-Skelly for Arsenal's goal.
Substitutes and second-half cameos
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**Substitutes:**
**Viktor Gyokeres - 5**
A fairly anonymous half-hour appearance. Struggled to get involved and managed just 10 touches during his time on the pitch.
**Fabio Vieira - 5**
Had a good opportunity to get on the scoresheet, but his tame effort was comfortably saved by Butez. Failed to do enough to make a strong case for more game time.
**David Raya - 6**
Called into action to make an important save from Jesus Rodriguez in the final few minutes. A solid cameo as he continues to reintegrate ahead of **Manchester City** on Sunday.
**Cristhian Mosquera - 6**
Got on the receiving end of two corners but was unable to punish Como from either. Will expect to start alongside Gabriel at the weekend.
**Martin Odegaard - 7**
Impressive second-half cameo, threading incisive passes behind Como's defence and setting up Vieira, whose effort was saved. Created more chances than any other player on the pitch before dropping into a deeper role to help control the midfield.
**Bruno Guimaraes - 6**
Received a loud reception from the home crowd on his first appearance since joining the club on Saturday. Looked noticeably better in midfield after his introduction, with his trademark floated passes breaking the lines and allowing the front three to get on the ball more often.
**Noni Madueke - 6**
First minutes since returning from his post-World Cup break. Very direct and improved on his set-piece deliveries, while forcing a good save from Butez with an effort from outside the box.
**Kai Havertz - 6**
Came on at centre-forward after [deputising in midfield against Borussia Dortmund](https://www.vavel.com/en/football/2026/08/09/arsenal/1267639-arsenal-bvb-draft.html). Had the ball in the back of the net in the final seconds, but was flagged for **offside**.
**Riccardo Calafiori - 6**
Had minimal impact during his 30-minute spell but kept former Celtic midfielder Nicolas Kuhn relatively quiet.
**Christos Tzolis - 6**
Has impressed during his first few weeks with the club. Showed good pace and set-piece quality, with one delivery almost catching Butez out for a goal. Doesn't count for much, but won the shootout with the **deciding penalty**.
**Mikel Merino - 6**
First appearance since returning from his World Cup break. Didn't put a foot wrong, winning his duels and linking up well with Guimaraes and Odegaard in midfield.
**Ben White - 6**
With **Jurrien Timber** still recovering, looks increasingly likely to start in the Community Shield. A cautious cameo as he preserved his energy ahead of Sunday.
**Josh Ogunnaike - N/A**
18-year-old defender experienced his first few minutes of senior football after coming on for Marli Salmon in 86th minute.