Arsenal narrowly defeated Champions League newcomers in a dramatic penalty shootout.

Arsenal finished their friendly against Como with a 4-3 win on penalties, following a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes of play.

In the early hours of August 13 Vietnam time, Arsenal hosted Como at the Emirates Stadium in a club friendly, preparing for the 2026/27 season.The Gunners could not overcome the Serie A representative during regular time but still secured a 4-3 victory in the penalty shootout.

Coach Mikel Arteta used a lineup combining experienced players and young talents. Arsenal took the initiative from the start, controlling possession and constantly pressuring the defense organized by coach Cesc Fabregas for the 2026/27 Champions League debutants.

After several missed opportunities, the home side opened the scoring in the 33rd minute. Myles Lewis-Skelly intercepted an inaccurate pass from goalkeeper Jean Butez, quickly combined with Gabriel Martinelli, and finished cleanly to put Arsenal 1-0 ahead.

However, the Gunners' advantage lasted only about 10 minutes. In the 43rd minute, Mattia Liberali set up Martin Baturina, who unleashed a beautiful strike, beating goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga and leveling the match before halftime.

In the second half, Coach Arteta made a series of personnel changes. Notably, new signing Bruno Guimaraes was introduced onto the pitch, marking his first appearance for Arsenal. The home side continued to seek a goal but faced a well-organized defensive system from Como.

Kai Havertz managed to put the ball into the visitors' net late in the game, but the goal was disallowed for offside. The two teams drew 1-1 after 90 minutes and had to go to a penalty shootout to decide the outcome.

From the penalty spot, goalkeeper David Raya became the hero by saving shots from Ivan Smolcic and Alvaro Morata. Arsenal had only Noni Madueke fail to convert, before Christos Tzolis completed the decisive kick, helping the Emirates Stadium side win 4-3.