Myles Lewis-Skelly struck in the first half in Arsenal’s 1-1 draw against Cesc Fabregas’ Como side amid speculation around his future.
Lewis-Skelly’s effort was cancelled out by Martin Baturina two minutes before the break in what proved to be a real test for Mikel Arteta‘s men.
The Gunners went on to win 4-3 on penalties, thanks largely to David Raya. Arsenal are back in action when they face Manchester City in the Community Shield on Sunday.
Daily Mail Sport’s ISAAN KHAN brings you the main talking points from their win over the Italian side.
Marli Salmon stands out
There’s another young gem coming through Arsenal’s Hale End pipeline: enter Marli Salmon.
He stepped up on a night where Mikel Arteta threw down the challenge to his youngsters.
Salmon and Max Dowman, both 16, started, as well as Theo Julienne, 18, who made his first senior team start.
Salmon in particular stood out, for the rarity of a 16-year-old starting in a first-team match at centre back.
The defender last season would typically come on at right back when substituted on in the odd first-team game — once in the Champions League and three times in the FA Cup (he started against Mansfield Town).
Marli Salmon was given a warm embrace from his manager Mikel Arteta when he came off
He coped well and wasn’t deterred by the physical challenge, playing with steel and conviction.
The opposition were wary of taking Salmon on, with the menacing Gabriel alongside him.
His runs and confidence on the ball made the real mark, as he progressed into the opposition half on occasion, evading players with a burst of speed. That takes guts and took the crowd by surprise.
What a baptism of fire such an experience is, and one he will no doubt remember.
Arteta’s confidence in the teenager saw Salmon stay on the pitch until the 88th minute.
He stepped up, alright.
Lewis-Skelly makes his point
A heart-shaped celebration and hands folded in a prayer motion, Myles Lewis-Skelly made his point.
The teenager struck in the first half amid reports suggesting the 19-year-old has been offered to Chelsea and Manchester United by intermediaries, which Arsenal have insisted isn’t the case.
Though Lewis-Skelly brushed the noise aside to enjoy a promising display in a young line-up.
Goalkeeper Jean Butez’s clearance was headed down by Lewis-Skelly to Gabriel Martinelli, who teed up the teenager to strike home on 33 minutes.
The goal was met by chants of ‘Myles Lewis-Skelly, he’s one of our own’, on an evening he used to remind observers of his talents.
Myles Lewis-Skelly delivered a clear message with his celebration amid talk over his future
Yet, it was the midfielder’s actions after the goal which reflected where his intentions lie.
Lewis-Skelly clasped his hands together towards the crowd before making out a heart sign in a clear sign of intent.
He is a fine player, and one who started in last season’s Champions League final.
His ceiling is high — and his future is bright at Arsenal.
Little chance of resurrection for Jesus
The gauntlet had been laid. With Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz on the bench, Gabriel Jesus started as the No 9.
It represented a nudge from Arteta, as if to say ‘show me what you’ve got’.
That didn’t last long, hooked off on 32 minutes for Gyokeres after a limited cameo.
He did try, the Brazilian. The effort was there, trying to pierce the backline with darts forward and active around the goal.
Gabriel Jesus’ future looks in doubt and he made way for Viktor Gyokeres
Though his display was marked by a miss on six minutes, the ball falling to him as Eberechi Eze passed on Ethan Nwaneri’s interception.
Jesus had an open goal to aim at with the goalkeeper out of his area — but struck the goalframe.
It dented the forward’s confidence, and he never properly recovered. On 32 minutes, he made way for Gyokeres, a reflection of his underwhelming night.
With just one more friendly remaining — against Manchester City in the Community Shield on Sunday — time is really running out for the Brazilian, who has been earmarked for the door.
Arteta gets one over ex-Gunners star
From afar, the touchline resemblance of Arteta and Cesc Fabregas was uncanny.
Arms crossed, wearing beige trousers and dark-coloured short-sleeved tops, both men mirrored one another.
The pair played alongside each other at Arsenal once upon a time. And at one stage, rumours suggested Fabregas could one day be Arteta’s successor.
Cesc Fabregas was looking dapper back at the Emirates on the touchline
Though such a prospect is a long way off after Arsenal’s title triumph last season.
Still, Fabregas’ post-match press conference lasted over 10 minutes, with Arteta waiting outside for him to finish.
He clearly had missed the Emirates.
