Arsenal wrapped up their pre-season campaign with a 1-1 draw against Como, leaving Mikel Arteta with plenty to consider before Sunday's Community Shield clash against Manchester City.
The Gunners are still waiting for several World Cup stars to reach full fitness, but there were encouraging signs from Myles Lewis-Skelly and new signing Bruno Guimaraes ahead of the new campaign.
Arsenal still building towards full strength
With the Community Shield just days away, Arsenal are still far from their strongest XI.
Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice remain without a single pre-season appearance after returning to training this week, while Arteta also continued to carefully manage Ben White's workload.
Several players shared minutes throughout the evening, with Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus all rotating through the striker role.
The performance underlined that Arsenal are still working towards full sharpness after a disrupted summer.
Lewis-Skelly responds in style
After speculation over his future earlier this week, Myles Lewis-Skelly delivered an impressive response on the pitch.
The academy graduate controlled midfield throughout the first half, helping Arsenal dictate possession while also leading the press effectively.
His display was rewarded with the opening goal after forcing a mistake before calmly finishing past the goalkeeper.
Lewis-Skelly also celebrated passionately in front of the home supporters, reinforcing his desire to establish himself as a key part of Arteta's plans.
Guimaraes shows exactly what Arsenal signed
The biggest cheer of the night came when Bruno Guimaraes made his unofficial Arsenal debut after half-time.
The Brazilian immediately displayed the intensity and aggression that made him one of the Premier League's standout midfielders.
He repeatedly broke up Como attacks, covered defensively when teammates were caught out and quickly became involved in Arsenal's build-up play.
Guimaraes also confidently converted his penalty in the post-match shootout, providing another glimpse of the composure Arsenal believe he will bring to midfield this season.
Key Points
- Arsenal concluded pre-season with a 1-1 draw against Como.
- Myles Lewis-Skelly impressed and scored Arsenal's goal.
- Bruno Guimaraes made his Arsenal debut after half-time.
- Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice are still building fitness.
- Mikel Arteta now turns his attention to the Community Shield.
What Happens Next
Arsenal face Manchester City in the Community Shield on Sunday before beginning their Premier League campaign the following week. Arteta will hope several returning internationals are ready to feature as the Gunners look to start the season strongly.
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