Arsenal took on Como at the Emirates Stadium in their final pre-season match before the Community Shield vs Man City
Myles Lewis-Skelly scored amid talk of him leaving Arsenal this summer
Myles Lewis-Skelly scored amid talk of him leaving Arsenal this summer
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Arsenal have concluded their pre-season campaign, with eyes now on the weekend's Community Shield against Manchester City - the two teams meet in Cardiff on Sunday.
In the final game before that meeting, the Gunners took on Italian side Como at the Emirates Stadium, a match which saw Cesc Fabregas return to his former home. The game ended in a 1-1 draw, with Arsenal winning thanks to a penalty shootout.
Arsenal took the lead just after the first-half drinks break. Myles Lewis-Skelly capitalised on a mistake from Como goalkeeper Jean Butez. His clearance eventually found its way to Gabriel Martinelli, who got the ball back to the midfielder and he made no mistake to put Arsenal 1-0 up.
But the Gunners didn't go into half time leading with Como making the most of a counter-attack. The ball made its way to Martin Baturina, who cut in from the left and gave Kepa Arrizabalaga no chance with a great finish to make it 1-1.
That's how the score would remain, despite chances for both sides. That meant that penalties were needed to separate the two sides, with summer signing Christos Tzolis scoring the decisive spot kick.
Mirror Football has taken a look at some of the biggest talking points from the game.
Myles Lewis-Skelly message
Like previous pre-season games, Lewis-Skelly was named in the starting XI, despite being linked with a move away from the Emirates in recent days.
The 19-year-old played in midfield just in front of the back four. He also got forward when given the chance, and was rewarded by scoring the opening goal.
He capitalised on a mistake from the Como goalkeeper, to put Arsenal 1-0 up just after the first-half drinks break. His celebration saw him make a heart with his hands, which was a clear sign of where his head is at. He received a warm reception from the Emirates crowd when he was replaced in the second half.
Bruno Guimaraes role
Bruno Guimaraes completed a £75 million move to Arsenal from Newcastle United last week. The Brazilian came on at half-time to make his debut for the club, much to the delight of those at the Emirates. He played a similar role to Declan Rice, playing just in front of Lewis-Skelly.
Arsenal's Bruno Guimaraes during a pre season match at Emirates Stadium
Bruno Guimaraes made his Arsenal debut vs Como(Image: John Walton/PA Wire)
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As expected, Guimaraes was always eager to get on the ball and make something happen. He also got back well and helped prevent a counter-attack, leading to chants of 'Bruno' from the home crowd. His introduction did allow Lewis-Skelly to get forward a bit more often.
Defensive issues
Despite not giving up many chances in the first-half, Arteta would have been frustrated to concede one of the few that Como had. While it was a great finish, there may have been an argument that more could have done to stop the ball getting to that position in the first place.
Defensive concerns are something that has dominated pre-season, with the team having conceded three goals in each of their previous two games against Real Betis and Borussia Dortmund. It's something that Arsenal will want to tighten up going into Sunday's Community Shield.
If Arsenal give Man City similar chances, then they are likely to take them. Even if the game is seen as a 'glorified friendly', losing to title rivals ahead of the start of the season is not the ideal preparation for their Premier League opener.
Mikel Arteta decision
Marli Salmon was again given a chance to impress for Arsenal as he was named alongside Gabriel Magalhaes at the heart of defence. The injury to William Saliba has left Arteta short in the area.
Cesc Fabregas was back at the Emirates
Cesc Fabregas was back at the Emirates
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They have been linked with Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa, but it seems the two teams are still far apart in their valuation. Salmon could provide a solution if Arsenal are unable to bring in a new defender in the transfer window, having impressed again against Como.
Despite being just 16, he earned praise for his composure, strength and willingness to step out of defence with the ball when needed.
Either way, a decision will have to be made over his short-term future. But it will be a bit of a waiting game for Arsenal.
Players have to be on a professional contract to go out on loan, and they can't sign that contract until they are 17 years old. Salmon doesn't turn 17 until August 29, meaning that there will be just a few days for Arsenal to sort out a loan deal if they decide to send him out for valuable game time.
Marli Salmon staked his case for more involvement
Marli Salmon staked his case for more involvement
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It will be less complicated for Theo Julienne, who made his first pre-season appearance by starting at left-back. The 18-year-old didn’t look out of place, but a loan deal and regular game time this season may benefit him.
Ethan Nwaneri chance
Ethan Nwaneri is another player who may have been playing for a place in the starting XI for the season opener against Coventry City in under two weeks.
Competition for places means that in the number 10 role Nwaneri has Max Dowman, Eberechi Eze and Martin Odegaard vying for the same spot.
With Declan Rice still not back after the World Cup, Nwaneri was given the chance to impress in a slightly deeper role. Lewis-Skelly sitting allowed him to go forward and help Eze in the number 10 role; there was then more of an interchange when Fabio Vieira was introduced after half an hour.
He caught the eye in the opening stages, often playing a big role in the high press, which led to some early chances. He did, however, fade as the half went on and was replaced by Guimaraes at halftime.
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