Arteta hails Guimaraes’ impact as Arsenal draw with Fabregas’ Como
By Joel Masibo, August 13, 2026Manager Mikel Arteta believes Bruno Guimaraes can make Arsenal a better side after the midfielder made his first appearance for the club in Wednesday’s 1-1 pre-season draw with Como at the Emirates Stadium.
The Brazil international, who joined Arsenal from Newcastle in a £75m (Ksh13.13 billion) deal, entered the contest at half-time and received a strong reception from the home supporters.
Guimaraes had only completed three training sessions with his new teammates before being given his first minutes, but Arteta revealed that the midfielder was eager to get involved.
“He only had three training sessions, but he looked good.
“He was really pushing to play some minutes today.
“I think he wanted to get his debut and the feeling of playing in front of our fans immediately.
“And, yeah, you sense immediately, I believe, a strong connection at play that is going to make us better.” Arteta said.
Guimaraes’ introduction was one of the major talking points from an otherwise closely contested encounter, with Arsenal eventually prevailing 4-3 in the penalty shoot-out after the friendly finished level.
Myles Lewis-Skelly had given the Gunners the advantage in the 33rd minute, taking advantage of a mistake by Como goalkeeper Jean Butez before calmly finishing.
Como responded before the interval, with Martin Baturina producing an impressive individual move before finding the net in the 43rd minute to restore parity.
Arsenal were unable to find a winning goal after the break despite creating opportunities. Martin Odegaard set up Fabio Vieira for a promising chance, but the effort was kept out.
Guimaraes subsequently converted from the spot during the shoot-out, while fellow new arrival Christos Tzolis also found the net. Noni Madueke was Arsenal’s only player to miss as the hosts secured the shoot-out victory.
Arteta had opted not to risk Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi, who had only recently returned from World Cup duty. Eberechi Eze, David Raya, Mikel Merino and Madueke, meanwhile, were among those making their first pre-season appearances.
Lewis-Skelly makes his mark
Lewis-Skelly’s goal added another layer to the midfielder’s uncertain situation, with reports linking him with a possible departure from Arsenal.
The youngster reacted to his goal by making a heart gesture towards the supporters.
Another teenager, Marli Salmon, also caught the eye. The 16-year-old started at centre-back alongside fellow academy prospect Max Dowman and produced an assured display.
Salmon completed 42 of his 43 passes and won nine of his 13 duels before being substituted late in the game to a standing ovation.
Arteta was impressed with the youngster’s contribution.
“I think he was exceptional,” the Arsenal manager said.
Como boss Cesc Fabregas also praised the work being done at Arsenal’s academy after watching Salmon and Dowman perform.
“Amazing. That’s what it’s all about. Hale End does an amazing job,” Fabregas said.
Arsenal turn focus to Man City
The draw brought Arsenal’s pre-season programme to a close, with their next assignment carrying considerably more significance.
Arteta’s side will face Manchester City in the Community Shield on Sunday before beginning their Premier League campaign against Coventry on August 21.
Midfielder Mikel Merino believes Arsenal can take confidence from their performance against Como.
“I think we dominated. The team showed what it is capable of.
“Everyone was in a good level. Honestly, I think we deserved to win; we had massive chances to score.
“We take the positives into the next game and hopefully we can dominate every game like we did today.”
Looking ahead to the Community Shield, Merino added: “It’s another final and we want to win, we want to give the fans more happiness.
“But especially for us, we want to compete. Wearing this shirt and this badge means a lot and that’s about giving everything and playing to our best capacity.”