Arsenal 1-1 Como Player Ratings: Gunners Win On Penalties After Pre-Season Friendly Ended In A 1-1 Stalemate

Arsenal’s final match of their pre-season campaign ended in a hard-fought 1–1 draw against Italian side Como 1907 at the Emirates Stadium. As is custom in pre-season friendlies, both teams engaged in a post-match shootout to replicate real-time competitive pressure.

David Raya gave the Gunners an early lead by saving Ivan Smolčić's effort, though Noni Madueke promptly hit the post to keep the contest level. Raya then denied Álvaro Morata with another fine save, setting up Christos Tzolis to convert the decisive spot-kick and seal a shootout victory for Arsenal.

The encounter carried an emotional storyline off the pitch with former Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas returning to North London as head coach of Como. On the pitch, both managers received a rigorous test before plunging into competitive action.

The Gunners controlled the opening phases of the match, dictating play with smooth movement through the midfield. Young talent Myles Lewis-Skelly broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute. Following a patient sequence of pass-and-move football, the midfielder timed his run into the penalty box and slotted a low shot past Como goalkeeper Jean Butez.

However, the Italian visitors refused to let the hosts dominate. Organized rigidly under Fabregas's structure, Como 1907 gradually worked their way into the game by targeting fast transitions. Their persistence paid off just two minutes before the interval when Croatian midfielder Martin Baturina pounced on space outside the box, firing a precise strike past Kepa Arrizabalaga to make it 1-1.

Both managers rotated heavily during the second half to distribute match fitness across their squads. Arteta introduced key figures, including Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, and new signing Bruno Guimarães.

Arsenal FC pushed high up the pitch in search of a late winner, testing Como's backline with quick wing play from substitute Noni Madueke. Madueke forced a sharp, diving save from Butez in the closing minutes with a curling left-footed strike directed toward the far post.

At the opposite end, David Raya, who took over in goal for Arsenal at half-time, stayed alert to deny Como on late counter-attacks. Despite late pressure from Arsenal's attacking line, Como’s defense stood firm to secure an impressive result on English soil.

The game went into a penalty shootout, which saw Alvaro Morata and Ivan Smolcic miss for Como, while Noni Madueke fluffed his lines for Arsenal. In the end, it was the Gunners who had the last laugh, as they won 4-3 on penalties.

This game provided Mikel Arteta with valuable insights as Arsenal finalize preparations for their Community Shield clash against Manchester City.

For Fabregas and Como, holding the English champions on away turf serves as a significant confidence booster as they head into an ambitious season featuring Serie A fixtures and a historic UEFA Champions League campaign. Check Arsenal vs Como player ratings.

Arsenal Player Ratings vs Como

Here are the Arsenal player ratings from the Arsenal vs Como Player Ratings.

Como Player Ratings vs Arsenal

Have a look at the Como player ratings from the Arsenal vs Como player ratings.

Man of the Match

Martin Baturina was adjudged Sportsdunia's man of the match in this club friendly.

Worst Performer

Jean Butez was the worst of the player from Arsenal vs Como.