As far as pre-seasons go, that was certainly not perfect for Arsenal.
Heading into the Community Shield at the Millenium Stadium on Sunday, they will do so buoyed by the arrival of Bruno Guimaraes but deep down, they will know they are relatively underprepared as they get ready to face Manchester City.
Indeed, in four friendly matches, the Gunners won just once. Sure, performances don’t matter too much but it will have concerned Mikel Arteta somewhat that they were not able to put in some more encouraging displays.
Ben-White-Odegaard-Merino-Arsenal
Reuters/Paul Childs
Still, they lost back-to-back games with Tottenham and Villarreal in pre-season a year ago and went on to have their best season in 22 years.
The biggest winners from Arsenal’s draw with Como
Arsenal came into this game with a renewed sense of purpose. This was a week in which some of their big hitters returned to the matchday squad.
Arsenal’s pre-season results 2026
Opposition
Result
Girona
4-1 win
Real Betis
3-1 defeat
Dortmund
3-2 defeat
Como
1-1 draw
Making his debut, Bruno Guimaraes made the matchday squad alongside some returnees including Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke, David Raya and Mikel Merino. Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice have also returned to training but this game came too soon for the England pair.
As a result, it was another opportunity for the likes of Max Dowman, Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly to stake their claims. It is safe to say that the latter certainly made his point.
Myles-Lewis-Skelly-Arsenal
Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs
This has been an interesting week for Lewis-Skelly. Reports surfaced suggesting that he had been offered to Chelsea and Manchester United but he is more than happy at the Emirates Stadium. His performance on Wednesday evening showcased that.
The teenager scored Arsenal’s goal on the night and celebrated by making a heart towards the crowd. He isn’t going anywhere.
Elsewhere, it was a fine night for another Hale Ender in the form of Marli Salmon. Aged just 16, the centre-back belied his years in defence alongside Gabriel Magalhaes.
While Salmon is unlikely to act as cover for William Saliba while the Frenchman is on the treatment table, his display was timely given links to Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa.
Marli-Salmon-Arsenal
Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs
Perhaps the youngster’s performance will make Arteta second guess his transfer plans. He completed 98% of his passes and won nine of his 13 defensive duels.
While it was a brilliant night for the two teenage sensations, it was not a good evening for every player in red and white.
The biggest loser from Arsenal vs Como
Without the likes of Saka, Rice, Merino, Saliba and Co in pre-season, it has given a number of Arsenal’s fringe players to make an impression.
Some, like Salmon, have taken their chance. The aforementioned Dowman, who scored against Girona and Nwaneri, who netted versus Dortmund, have made their points to the manager too.
