Arsenal F.C. vs Como 1907 Lineups: Starting XI, Formations, Key Players and Match Analysis

Introduction

The Arsenal F.C. vs Como 1907 Lineups attracted attention from football fans who wanted to see how the two teams would approach an exciting pre-season friendly. Arsenal, one of England’s most prominent football clubs, faced Italian side Como 1907 at the Emirates Stadium in London on August 12, 2026. The match offered both teams an opportunity to test their squads, evaluate tactical combinations, and prepare for the challenges of the new season.

The encounter finished 1-1 after regular time, with Myles Lewis-Skelly scoring for Arsenal and Martin Baturina equalising for Como. Arsenal eventually won 4-3 in the penalty shootout. The match also gave supporters a closer look at emerging talents, new arrivals, and the tactical approaches of managers Mikel Arteta and Cesc Fàbregas.

Arsenal F.C. vs Como 1907 Starting Lineups

Both teams selected lineups that combined young players with experienced professionals. Arsenal used the friendly to rotate their squad, while Como aimed to demonstrate the quality and organisation they had developed under Fàbregas.

Arsenal F.C. Starting XI

Arsenal’s starting lineup featured Kepa Arrizabalaga in goal, with a defence that included Gabriel Magalhães and Piero Hincapié. Myles Lewis-Skelly, Eberechi Eze, Ethan Nwaneri, and Max Dowman provided options for progressing the ball and creating attacking opportunities.

Arsenal starting lineup:

1. Kepa Arrizabalaga — Goalkeeper
2. Theo Julienne — Defender
3. Marli Salmon — Defender
4. Gabriel Magalhães — Centre-back and captain
5. Piero Hincapié — Defender
6. Myles Lewis-Skelly — Midfielder
7. Eberechi Eze — Attacking midfielder
8. Max Dowman — Attacking player
9. Ethan Nwaneri — Attacking midfielder
10. Gabriel Martinelli — Forward
11. Gabriel Jesus — Forward

This starting XI allowed Arsenal to evaluate younger players alongside senior professionals. It also provided Eze with an opportunity to contribute creatively and gave Lewis-Skelly valuable minutes in a prominent role.

Como 1907 Starting XI

Como 1907 selected a balanced team featuring a mixture of defensive solidity, technical midfielders, and attacking options. Jean Butez started in goal, while Yan Couto and Álex Valle offered width from the defensive line. Martin Baturina and Mattia Liberali supplied creativity in advanced positions.

Como 1907 starting lineup:

1. Jean Butez — Goalkeeper
2. Yan Couto — Defender
3. Jacobo Ramón — Centre-back
4. Marc-Oliver Kempf — Centre-back
5. Álex Valle — Defender
6. Lucas da Cunha — Midfielder
7. Máximo Perrone — Defensive midfielder
8. Mattia Liberali — Attacking midfielder
9. Martin Baturina — Attacking midfielder
10. Assane Diao — Forward
11. Anastasios Douvikas — Striker

Como’s lineup highlighted the club’s technical approach and its willingness to build attacks through midfield. Baturina and Liberali were particularly important because they could connect the midfield with the forward line and exploit spaces between Arsenal’s defensive and midfield units.

Arsenal F.C. Formation and Tactical Approach

Arsenal’s lineup provided flexibility in possession, with players capable of changing positions and supporting attacks from different areas. Although the exact tactical shape could change during the match, the team had the personnel to build through midfield and create width using its wide attackers and defenders.

Myles Lewis-Skelly was an important figure in Arsenal’s build-up play. His ability to move into midfield positions helped the team maintain possession and progress the ball. Eberechi Eze offered close control, dribbling, and creativity, while Ethan Nwaneri and Max Dowman gave Arsenal additional attacking options.

Gabriel Martinelli’s pace threatened Como’s defensive line, and Gabriel Jesus offered movement between defenders. Arsenal’s objective was to control possession, press aggressively when the ball was lost, and create chances through combinations in the final third.

However, pre-season fixtures are also about experimentation. Rotations and substitutions can affect a team’s rhythm, so the starting lineup should be considered part of a wider preparation process rather than a definitive indication of Arsenal’s strongest competitive XI.

Como 1907 Formation and Tactical Approach

Como 1907 entered the match with a clear emphasis on technical football and organised possession. Under Cesc Fàbregas, the team sought to move the ball intelligently, use midfield combinations, and create opportunities through quick passing.

Jean Butez provided the first line of distribution from the back. The defensive unit, featuring Yan Couto, Jacobo Ramón, Marc-Oliver Kempf, and Álex Valle, was responsible for protecting the penalty area while supporting the team’s build-up.

In midfield, Lucas da Cunha and Máximo Perrone helped maintain possession and connect defensive play with the attacking players. Martin Baturina and Mattia Liberali operated in creative roles, while Assane Diao offered pace and direct running. Anastasios Douvikas led the attack and looked to convert opportunities created by his teammates.

Como’s equaliser demonstrated the value of its attacking combinations. Rather than relying exclusively on long balls, the Italian side could use technical quality and coordinated movement to create openings against a high-level opponent.

Key Players to Watch

Several players stood out when analysing the Arsenal F.C. vs Como 1907 lineups. Their different strengths helped make the contest an interesting tactical test.

1. Myles Lewis-Skelly

Lewis-Skelly was one of Arsenal’s most influential players in the first half. His goal in the 33rd minute gave the hosts the lead and demonstrated his ability to contribute in advanced areas. His versatility also made him valuable during Arsenal’s possession phases.

2. Eberechi Eze

Eze brought creativity and close control to Arsenal’s midfield. His ability to carry the ball past opponents and find teammates in attacking positions gave the home side another way to break through Como’s defensive structure.

3. Martin Baturina

Baturina was Como’s standout goalscorer in the match. His equaliser in the 43rd minute brought the visitors back into the contest just before half-time. His technical quality and attacking instincts made him a key figure in Como’s offensive approach.

4. Mattia Liberali

Liberali helped connect Como’s midfield with its forwards. His movement and passing contributed to the team’s attacking combinations, including the move that produced Baturina’s goal.

5. Gabriel Martinelli

Martinelli offered Arsenal pace and directness on the left side of the attack. His ability to stretch the defence helped create space for teammates and gave Arsenal a threat in transition.

6. Jean Butez

Butez played an important role in Como’s defensive organisation. His work in goal helped the visitors remain competitive as Arsenal searched for a late winner.

Arsenal F.C. vs Como 1907 Substitutes

Substitutions played a significant role in the friendly because both managers wanted to distribute playing time and assess different combinations.

Arsenal introduced players including David Raya, Martin Ødegaard, Viktor Gyökeres, Bruno Guimarães, Ben White, Noni Madueke, Kai Havertz, and Riccardo Calafiori. These changes allowed Arteta to assess additional options in goal, defence, midfield, and attack.

Como also rotated extensively. Among the players introduced were Álvaro Morata, Maxence Caqueret, Luis Milla, Alberto Dossena, Trevoh Chalobah, and several other squad members. Chalobah’s appearance was particularly notable because it marked his debut for Como.

The substitutions helped both teams maintain intensity while providing opportunities to evaluate new partnerships. They also made the second half different from the opening period, as fresh players brought new movement and attacking ideas.

Match Result and Goal Timeline

The match at the Emirates Stadium ended level after 90 minutes, before Arsenal prevailed in the penalty shootout.

• 33rd minute: Myles Lewis-Skelly scored to put Arsenal ahead.
• 43rd minute: Martin Baturina equalised for Como, restoring parity before half-time.
• Half-time: Arsenal 1-1 Como 1907.
• Full-time: Arsenal 1-1 Como 1907.
• Penalty shootout: Arsenal won 4-3.

The scoreline reflected a competitive contest in which Arsenal created opportunities but Como remained dangerous enough to punish defensive gaps. Arsenal’s eventual shootout victory provided a positive conclusion for the home supporters, although the main objective for both sides was to gain useful preparation ahead of their competitive campaigns.

What the Lineups Reveal About Both Teams

Arsenal’s selection demonstrated the importance of squad depth and youth development. Giving opportunities to players such as Lewis-Skelly, Nwaneri, and Dowman allowed the club to assess emerging talent in a demanding environment. The involvement of Eze and experienced attackers also offered a chance to develop attacking combinations.

Como’s selection highlighted the club’s growing ambition and technical identity. Its midfield and forward players showed that the team could compete through organised possession rather than simply defending deep against a more established opponent.

The extensive substitutions also illustrated the difference between a friendly and a competitive fixture. Managers can experiment with formations, introduce new signings, and adjust individual roles without the same immediate pressure associated with league or knockout matches.

For fans, these lineups provided useful insight into the options available to each manager. However, pre-season selections do not necessarily predict the starting elevens that will be used in subsequent competitive matches.

Conclusion

The Arsenal F.C. vs Como 1907 lineups showcased a fascinating combination of established talent, promising youngsters, and tactical experimentation. Arsenal started with Kepa Arrizabalaga, Gabriel Magalhães, Eberechi Eze, Myles Lewis-Skelly, and Gabriel Martinelli among its key players. Como responded with Jean Butez, Yan Couto, Máximo Perrone, Mattia Liberali, and Martin Baturina in a balanced starting XI.

Lewis-Skelly opened the scoring for Arsenal, but Baturina’s equaliser ensured the match finished 1-1 after regular time. Arsenal then secured a 4-3 victory on penalties.

Ultimately, the game offered valuable preparation for both clubs. Arsenal gained experience from its young players and squad rotation, while Como demonstrated its technical quality and competitive spirit. For supporters researching the starting lineups, formations, substitutes, and match details, this friendly provided an informative snapshot of both teams as they prepared for the 2026-27 season.