In a report disseminated by Football London on Thursday, August 13, 2026, it was revealed that Arsenal’s performance against Como, despite concluding as a 1-1 draw in their final pre-season engagement, garnered significant commendation from the Italian media. This praise was noteworthy given that the Premier League champions, under the guidance of Mikel Arteta, fielded a considerably rotated squad, introducing several emerging talents.Despite the altered lineup, Arsenal were widely perceived as the more dominant force on the pitch. The initial breakthrough came from Myles Lewis-Skelly, who skillfully opened the scoring for the Gunners.
However, Cesc Fabregas’ Como side managed to find an equalizer through Martin Baturina, leveling the scoreline.While the match ultimately saw Arsenal emerge victorious following a penalty shootout, the final score did little to encapsulate the Italian observers’ assessment of a commanding display from the home team.
Renowned Italian sports publication, Gazzetta, specifically lauded Arsenal’s inherent quality and simultaneously highlighted the formidable task that lies ahead for Como as they prepare for their return to the Champions League.The report emphasized that Arsenal’s superiority was palpable, particularly evident during the opening thirty minutes of the encounter. During this period, key players such as Declan Rice were instrumental in asserting control, leaving Como in a precarious position. The Italian team was frequently forced into a defensive posture, adopting a compact 5-4-1 formation, a tactical choice understandably suited to facing a formidable opponent that had recently clinched the Premier League title and reached the Champions League final just two months prior.
Gazzetta also drew attention to the considerable impact of Como playing at the iconic, and in this instance, packed Emirates Stadium. The experience of competing in such a grand arena, filled with nearly 60,000 fervent supporters—a remarkable attendance for a friendly match, even factoring in unusual circumstances like an eclipse and a heatwave—was underscored as a potent demonstration of the immense challenge awaiting Fabregas’ squad at the highest echelons of European football.Furthermore, Arsenal’s ability to sustain their high standards and creative output, even while providing valuable playing time to younger prospects, was a point of significant admiration.
Gazzetta specifically cited the contributions of emerging talents like Max Dowman and the aforementioned Lewis-Skelly. The publication noted that the Gunners’ offensive strategy, their capacity to press opponents, generate scoring opportunities, and ultimately rely on the individual brilliance and ingenuity of their star players, remained intact. This was evident even with younger players like Max Dowman operating in wider attacking roles, or with the 19-year-old Lewis-Skelly taking on significant responsibility in orchestrating play from deeper positions, showcasing the depth and adaptability of Arsenal’s squad.
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