By Samuel A. August 6, 2023
Arsenal have started the English football season on the front foot by getting the better of Manchester City to win the Community Shield on Sunday afternoon. Arsenal beat City 4-1 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in regular time to win the Football Association’s Community Shield at Wembley Stadium, a match that serves as a traditional curtain raiser to the season. The match is typically played between the winners of the last season’s Premier League and FA Cup, but because City won both as part of the title treble (also containing the Champions League for the first time). Arsenal took part as the runners up in the league and might have gained a psychological edge heading into the new campaign that starts on Friday.
Treble winners City looked on course to add a fourth trophy of the year to their collection, with Cole Palmer’s fine curling shot giving them the lead in the 77 minute, but instead they were handed a third straight Community Shield defeat. Trossard’s last gasp effort deflected in off Manuel Akanji to send the contest to penalties, where Kevin De Bruyne, on his return from injury, blasted against the bar and Rodri saw his effort saved.
Arsenal were immaculate from 12 yards, with Martin Odegaard, Trossard, Bukayo Saka and Fabio Vieira hitting the net to land a morale boosting blow for the Gunners.
There had been plenty of positives for Arsenal during the 90 minutes and they should have led at the break after new signing Kai Havertz missed two close range chances. There were good performances from fellow newcomers Jurrien Timber and record signing, Declan Rice.
Speaking to the press, Pep said : “Congratulations to Arsenal, we were close. In the last 15-20 minutes of the first half they were better. Second half we were much, much better. We played a really good second half. We have to get used to stoppage time. I had the feeling it didn’t happen much to extend eight minutes. But they don’t consult with the players, the managers what is their opinion when they make the rules. Now the games will be 100 minutes that’s for sure. Imagine if they extend for the goals, and it’s 4-3, tomorrow morning, 9am I am here playing! Don’t ask me my opinion! The team behaved unbelievable. We faced an extraordinary team. We were close. We’re disappointed for the fact we were close but it’s football and you can’t always win. Now we’re thinking Friday, to go to Burnley to play.” Manchester City will play Burnley in the Premier League’s opening match on Friday.
