Arsenal ended their pre-season campaign with a 4-3 penalty shootout victory over Como after the two sides drew 1-1 at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday.
Myles Lewis-Skelly put Arsenal ahead before Martin Baturina equalised shortly before half-time, but neither side could find a decisive goal in the second half.
David Raya then became Arsenal’s hero in the shootout, saving penalties from Ivan Smolcic and former Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata before Christos Tzolis converted the decisive spot-kick to secure victory for the Gunners.
Arsenal began the match brightly, with new signing Eberechi Eze at the centre of several early attacks.
The England international saw an early free-kick sail over the crossbar before another Arsenal opportunity, created from his corner, also ended without a goal.
The hosts came even closer when Ethan Nwaneri won possession high up the pitch and found Eze. After rounding goalkeeper Jean Butez, Eze laid the ball across to Gabriel Jesus, whose effort struck the post.
Como responded with a chance of their own when Baturina created space on the edge of the Arsenal penalty area, but Kepa Arrizabalaga made a good save.
Arsenal eventually broke the deadlock after the drinks break.
Butez’s attempted clearance fell invitingly towards Arsenal, and Lewis-Skelly took advantage, finishing after Gabriel Martinelli helped keep the move alive.
It was a notable goal for Lewis-Skelly, who had not scored for Arsenal since the 5-1 victory over Manchester City in February 2025.
Como refused to retreat and levelled before half-time.
Baturina worked his way beyond Theo Julienne and Nwaneri before unleashing a powerful effort that beat Kepa and made it 1-1.
Mikel Arteta made several changes at the break, including introducing new signing Bruno Guimarães for his Arsenal debut.
The midfielder immediately made an impression, producing a recovery tackle on Jesús Rodríguez that drew applause from the Emirates crowd.
Arsenal improved after the interval as Martin Ødegaard helped increase the tempo.
Butez denied Fábio Vieira following a well-worked move involving Piero Hincapié and Ødegaard, while Noni Madueke later forced another save with a powerful effort.
Havertz also went close after meeting a Ben White header, but Como continued to pose a threat.
Raya made two important late saves to keep the scores level, while Havertz appeared to have snatched victory only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.
The match therefore went to penalties.
Como changed goalkeepers before the shootout, but Raya quickly established himself as the difference-maker by keeping out Smolcic’s attempt.
Guimarães converted for Arsenal before Rodríguez restored parity. Madueke then hit the post, giving Como an opportunity to take control.
Raya denied Morata, however, leaving Tzolis with the chance to win it.
The Greek forward calmly fired into the top corner, sealing a 4-3 shootout victory for Arsenal.
The result closes Arsenal’s pre-season preparations ahead of Sunday’s Community Shield meeting with Manchester City at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
The Gunners will then begin their Premier League title defence at Emirates Stadium against newly promoted Coventry City on Friday, August 21, with kick-off scheduled for 8pm.
