Gunners overcome resilient Como in shootout after Baturina cancels out Lewis-Skelly opener on Fabregas’s emotional return.
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal eventually overcame Cesc Fabregas’s spirited Como in a tense penalty shootout on Wednesday. Following a 1-1 draw in the Gunners’ penultimate pre-season outing, David Raya emerged as the hero, saving spot-kicks from Ivan Smolčić and Alvaro Morata to secure a 4-3 victory.
The deadlock was broken in the 34th minute after Como goalkeeper Jean Butez was punished for a lapse while playing out from the back. Youngster Lewis-Skelly pounced, intercepting with a header before finding Gabriel Martinelli; the Brazilian star then unselfishly teed up the English full-back to slot home and put Arsenal ahead.
Buoyed by the opener, the Londoners maintained a high press in search of a second, with Fabregas’s side struggling to test the opposition goal as the interval approached.
However, the visitors’ persistence was rewarded in the 43rd minute. Croatian playmaker Martin Baturina restored parity with a superb solo effort, dancing past two defenders before unleashing a strike that took a wicked deflection to leave goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga stranded.
A raft of substitutions followed the break, as both Fabregas and Arteta looked to fine-tune their tactical setups and assess their squad depth ahead of the new campaign.
The Gunners nearly regained the lead in the 53rd minute, but Butez made amends for his earlier error by tipping a goalbound Fabio Vieira effort over the bar with a crucial intervention.
Following a 77th-minute hydration break, Cesc Fabregas introduced Luis Milla. The Spanish midfielder joined Como this summer after a productive four-year spell at Getafe.
Deep into stoppage time, Kai Havertz thought he had snatched a late winner, only for the German’s effort to be chalked off for offside, forcing the contest into a shootout.
With nothing to separate the sides, David Raya took centre stage, denying both Ivan Smolčić and Alvaro Morata from 12 yards. Despite Noni Madueke striking the woodwork for the hosts, Arsenal held their nerve to clinch a 4-3 win.
Arsenal now turn their attention to a high-profile clash with Manchester City this Sunday, while Como prepare to face Liverpool on the same day.