Arsenal faced Como 1907 on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, in their final pre-season friendly at the Emirates Stadium. The Arsenal vs Como meeting carried extra attention because Como manager and former Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas returned to North London as an opposing coach. It was also the first-ever meeting between the two clubs.
Arsenal began their final preparations ahead of their Community Shield clash with Manchester City, while Como used the match to build momentum for their historic UEFA Champions League campaign. Kick-off was scheduled for 7:30 PM BST, with Arsenal also expected to manage the workload of several key players.
Arsenal vs Como Match Context and Team News
The Arsenal vs Como friendly provided Arsenal with one final opportunity to sharpen their squad before competitive action began. The reigning English champions were expected to rotate several important players, with Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Eberechi Eze among those who could be rested.
The major storyline was the expected debut of Bruno Guimarães following his reported £75 million move from Newcastle. His appearance would give supporters an early look at one of Arsenal’s major summer additions.
William Saliba remained unavailable as he continued his recovery.
Como Prepare for Champions League Campaign
Como arrived at the Emirates preparing for their first season in the UEFA Champions League. Their return to European football added importance to the pre-season fixture against Arsenal.
Former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fàbregas was the central figure in Como’s dugout. His return to the Emirates added an emotional subplot to a match otherwise focused on preparation.
New Como defender Trevoh Chalobah was a doubt following his post-World Cup rest period, while the visitors were expected to give attacking players opportunities to gain valuable minutes.
The Arsenal vs Como clash therefore served as an important final test for both teams before their respective competitive campaigns.
Full-Time Update
Arsenal drew 1-1 with Como in their final pre-season friendly at the Emirates Stadium before winning 4-3 on penalties. Myles Lewis-Skelly and Martin Baturina scored in normal time, while David Raya became the shootout hero with two saves as Arsenal secured victory.
Key Match Moments
0′ Kickoff: Arsenal get the final pre-season friendly underway at the Emirates Stadium.
5′ Goal Line Clearance: Gabriel Magalhães heads Eberechi Eze’s corner toward goal, but the ball is accidentally blocked on the line by teammate Theo Julienne.
6′ Offside: Gabriel Jesus finishes after Ethan Nwaneri wins possession high up the pitch, but the goal is ruled out for offside.
32′ Substitutions – Arsenal: Fabio Vieira and Viktor Gyökeres replace Eberechi Eze and Gabriel Jesus.
33′ Goal – Arsenal 1-0 Como: Myles Lewis-Skelly intercepts a poor pass from Jean Butez, combines with Gabriel Martinelli and finishes into the empty net.
41′ Corner – Como: Martin Baturina delivers Como’s first corner, but Piero Hincapié clears the danger.
44′ Goal – Arsenal 1-1 Como: Baturina produces excellent footwork before firing a fine effort past Kepa Arrizabalaga.
45′ Half-Time Substitutions – Arsenal: David Raya replaces Kepa, while Bruno Guimarães makes his Arsenal debut alongside Martin Ødegaard and Cristhian Mosquera.
61′ Substitutions – Arsenal: Riccardo Calafiori and Christos Tzolis enter for Piero Hincapié and Gabriel Martinelli.
62′ Substitutions – Arsenal: Kai Havertz, Ben White, Mikel Merino and Noni Madueke come on.
68′ Save – Como: Butez redeems his earlier error with a strong save to deny Madueke.
74′ Chance – Arsenal: Ben White heads down for Havertz, whose effort goes wide.
79′ Yellow Card – Como: Maxence Caqueret is booked for a tactical foul on Merino.
82′ Save – Arsenal: David Raya denies Jesús Rodríguez with a low stop.
85′ Corner – Como: Cristhian Mosquera clears the danger from a Como corner.
88′ Save – Arsenal: Raya uses his feet to deny Rodríguez again after another dangerous attack.
90′ Disallowed Goal – Arsenal: Kai Havertz finishes after being played through by Merino, but the goal is ruled out for offside.
90+3′ Full-Time: Arsenal and Como finish 1-1, sending the friendly to a penalty shootout.
Penalty Shootout
Como: Luis Milla scores.
Arsenal: Martin Ødegaard scores.
Como: Maxence Caqueret scores.
Arsenal: Kai Havertz scores.
Como: Ivan Smolčić’s penalty is saved by David Raya.
Arsenal: Bruno Guimarães scores.
Como: Jesús Rodríguez scores.
Arsenal: Noni Madueke hits the post.
Como: Álvaro Morata’s penalty is saved by David Raya.
Arsenal: Christos Tzolis scores the winning penalty.
Final Shootout Score: Arsenal win 4-3 on penalties.
Arsenal vs Como Results Today: Club Friendly Live Score, Updates, Stats