Guimaraes debuts as Arsenal draw with Como in friendly

Early doors, Myles Lewis-Skelly found the net. Gifted, really. Como keeper Jean Butez served up a truly awful pass, Lewis-Skelly pounced. Slotted it home. Then, the heart gesture for the crowd. Funny, given the kid's future at the club is anything but certain.

Martin Baturina levelled things up for the visitors. And that was it. 1-1 at the half.

Guimaraes came on for the second half. Only three training sessions under his belt. Still, he impressed, making his mark quickly. Supporters liked what they saw. He even stepped up for the shootout. Nailed it. Christos Tzolis, another new face, did too. Arsenal eventually won the penalty lottery 4-3.

Mikel Arteta played it smart. No sense risking the big boys. World Cup duty is a grind. So Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi? They sat this one out. Sensible. Others got their first run-out though: Eberechi Eze, David Raya, Mikel Merino, Noni Madueke.

Marli Salmon, a teenager, apparently 'stole the plaudits' from Sky Sports. Good for him. He apparently won nine of 13 duels and completed 42 of 43 passes. Impressive numbers for a kid. Even Como's head coach, Cesc Fabregas – yep, the former Arsenal academy graduate himself – gave a nod to Salmon's composure. And Max Dowman too.

Next up? Manchester City in the Community Shield on Sunday. Then it’s the Premier League opener at home to Coventry, August 21. Real football, finally.