Myles Lewis-Skelly was on target for Arsenal
Arsenal have now gone three pre-season matches without victory but that won’t matter too much as Mikel Arteta looks set to go strong against Manchester City in the Community Shield on Sunday.
‌
He made seven changes here from Sunday’s 3-2 Emirates Cup defeat to Borussia Dortmund, however, this was more about sharing the minutes around.
‌
Myles Lewis-Skelly, who has been talk of the town this week, netted the opener before Como hit back through Martin Baturina.
‌
Here are some talking points from the Emirates Stadium following a 1-1 draw against Cesc Fabregas’ side.
MLS crowd reaction
There has been plenty of speculation regarding the future of Myles Lewis-Skelly in recent days on the back of football.london’s story.
‌
But the Hale End academy graduate seemingly wants to remain with his boyhood club and he was handed yet another pre-season start in midfield against Como.
Before the match, Arsenal supporters also made their feelings clear as his name was read out over the PA. In fact, his name was actually cheered more loudly by fans than any other Gunners player.
It showcased how they feel about one of their own, not that it should be a surprise to anyone. Equally, his celebration also told its own story.
‌
This will always be Lewis-Skelly’s club and on the back of his performance, it looks as though it could be a big season for him as he bids to kick on.
Marli Salmon excels
Marli Salmon was comfortably Arsenal’s best player on Wednesday evening, sparkling at right centre-back.
The 16-year-old has got incredible feet for a central defender and was oozing with confidence while reading the game so well.
‌
He is a very big prospect and that shouldn’t be forgotten as the club explore the transfer market for potential options at right-back and right centre-back.
The Premier League is of course a different kettle of fish but it would be cruel to completely block Salmon’s pathway when he looks ready to step up and contribute this season.
Marli Salmon
View 2 Images
Marli Salmon was brilliant for Arsenal
‌
Mikel Arteta’s Gabriel Martinelli fury
This was a big game for Gabriel Martinelli because Galatasaray are said to be pushing hard for the Brazilian.
The winger wants to stay at Arsenal but he needs to show he is worthy of another chance this season because Arsenal have been exploring their options at left-wing.
In one instance in the second half, Martinelli tried a dinked pass which saw him lose possession. Unfortunately for him it was right in front of his boss Arteta, who was not impressed.
‌
Arteta was angry and clapped and shouted at Martinelli, who was only 10 yards away, instructing him to drive at his marker at every given opportunity.
Martinelli looked short of confidence and it’s hard to escape the feeling that Christos Tzolis is probably currently ahead of him in the Arsenal pecking order.
Ebere Eze looks sharp
There was a bit of concern earlier this week when Arsenal posted video footage of their final World Cup stars returning to the training ground.
‌
Ebere Eze wasn’t spotted but he has trained this week and was immediately thrust straight back into the starting XI.
He has been putting in the hard yards on his holidays and looks to have benefitted from that work as he looked sharp.
The England attacker displayed really quick feet and let fly a couple of times with a few dipping shots. It’s a big season for the former Crystal Palace man and he needs to hit the ground running as competition for places is really fierce.
