Guimaraes makes Arsenal debut in 1-1 draw with Como

Arsenal's new Brazilian midfielder Bruno Guimarães entered the field for his debut during the team's final pre-season friendly against Como on Wednesday. The match concluded in a 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium. Guimarães, acquired for a reported £75 million from Newcastle last week, appeared after halftime. He joined the game following Myles Lewis-Skelly's opening goal for Arsenal, which was later equalized by Como's Martin Baturina. Lewis-Skelly's goal came amidst reports of his potential departure from the club. Manager Mikel Arteta expressed satisfaction with Guimarães's performance, noting his immediate positive influence. "He only had three training sessions, but he looked good," Arteta commented. "He was really pushing to play some minutes today. I think he wanted to get his debut and the feeling of playing in front of our fans immediately."

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He only had three training sessions, but he looked good. He was really pushing to play some minutes today. I think he wanted to get his debut and the feeling of playing in front of our fans immediately. And, yeah, you sense immediately, I believe, a strong connection at play that is going to make us better.

Guimarães received a warm reception from the home supporters. However, Arsenal could not secure a winning goal after Baturina's equalizer before the break. The Gunners also saw first pre-season appearances from Eberechi Eze, David Raya, Mikel Merino, and Noni Madueke. Several key players, including Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice, were rested ahead of the upcoming Community Shield match against Manchester City. The friendly concluded with a penalty shootout, which Arsenal won 4-3, with new signing Christos Tzolis scoring the decisive penalty.

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It’s another final and we want to win, we want to give the fans more happiness. But especially for us, we want to compete. Wearing this shirt and this badge means a lot and that’s about giving everything and playing to our best capacity.