Guimaraes Arsenal Debut Steals the Show in Como Draw
August 13, 2026Key Stats and Takeaways
- Guimaraes Arsenal debut came at half-time on Wednesday at the Emirates.
- Arsenal paid £75 million ($101 million) to sign him from Newcastle.
- The match finished 1-1, then Arsenal won 4-3 on penalties.
- Como boss Cesc Fabregas played for Arsenal between 2003 and 2011.
- Como finished fourth in Serie A last season, their best-ever result.
Arsenal fans finally got what they wanted. The Guimaraes Arsenal debut happened during Wednesday’s pre-season friendly against Como. It wasn’t a full performance, though. Guimaraes only came on at half-time, and the crowd erupted the moment he touched the ball. Chants of “Bruno” echoed around the Emirates all night.
Why the Guimaraes Arsenal Debut Mattered So Much
This wasn’t just another friendly substitution. Guimaraes completed his £75 million move from Newcastle last weekend. Consequently, expectations were sky-high before he even stepped onto the pitch. Arteta admitted the Brazilian had only trained three times with the squad. Still, he insisted Guimaraes looked sharp and ready to contribute.
Meanwhile, the match itself had plenty of drama. Myles Lewis-Skelly opened the scoring after Como’s goalkeeper misplaced a pass. He celebrated with a heart gesture, which felt pointed given his own transfer rumors. Como hit back before the break, though, through a well-taken Martin Baturina strike. As a result, both sides went in level at half-time.
The Fabregas Factor Behind the Como Test
Cesc Fabregas didn’t just bring any Como side to London. He built a squad that finished fourth in Serie A last season. That was Como’s best finish ever, and it earned them Champions League qualification. Fabregas himself spent eight years at Arsenal as a player. Therefore, this friendly carried extra emotional weight for everyone involved.
Additionally, Como brought Trevoh Chalobah, a recent Chelsea signing, onto their bench. Arteta, meanwhile, rested Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, and Martin Zubimendi. All three had just returned from international duty. Still, Arsenal pushed through and won the shootout 4-3 after the draw.
Ultimately, this friendly served its purpose. Arsenal now heads into Sunday’s Community Shield against Manchester City with confidence. The Guimaraes Arsenal debut gave fans an early glimpse of his partnership with Martin Odegaard. That link-up could define Arsenal’s midfield all season long.
People Also Ask
When did the Guimaraes Arsenal debut happen?
It happened on Wednesday, August 12, during Arsenal’s friendly against Como.
How much did Arsenal pay for Bruno Guimaraes?
Arsenal paid a reported £75 million, roughly $101 million, to sign him.
What was the final score between Arsenal and Como?
The teams drew 1-1, and Arsenal then won 4-3 on penalties.
Who scored for Arsenal against Como?
Myles Lewis-Skelly scored Arsenal’s only goal in regular play.
Why is Cesc Fabregas significant to this Arsenal fixture?
Fabregas played for Arsenal for eight years before becoming Como’s head coach.
