Arsenal beat Manchester City to win Community Shield
Arsenal won the Community Shield on Sunday, defeating Manchester City 4-1 in a penalty shootout and striking the opening blow in the two clubs’ rivalry this season.
Fabio Vieira scored the game-winning penalty after Arsenal struck a late equalizer in stoppage time to secure a 1-1 draw with the Premier League champions and force a shootout at London’s Wembley Stadium.
Community Shield games sometimes have a “friendly” vibe to them, but with cynical fouls and crunching tackles in the London sunshine, there was no shortage of energy – maybe flowing over from last season’s title struggle, which City won.
“It’s a statement for us.” “It’s a confidence boost to know we can go and beat Man City in a big game when it counts,” Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale told ITV.
“I’m not sure what to expect this season. But that mental impediment is no longer present. We’re ready to go now.”
While City had the majority of the possession in the first half, Arsenal had the better chances, with huge close-season in addition to Kai Havertz missing chances to make his debut, as both of his efforts were stopped by Stefan Ortega.
In the second half, Pep Guardiola’s team showed greater intent, with John Stones having a header saved, but it was substitute Cole Palmer who broke the deadlock with a curling attempt from the edge of the box that beat Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.
Ramsdale was then forced into action twice in a row, saving from Phil Foden and Rodri to keep the deficit to one goal.
After a clash of heads between Kyle Walker and Thomas Partey left both players needing headbands, Arsenal dug deep to draw in the 101st minute with a deflected Leandro Trossard goal.
In the ensuing shootout, City’s Kevin De Bruyne hit the crossbar, and Ramsdale stopped a poor Rodri attempt, before Vieira sealed Arsenal’s 17th win of the season, bringing them into second place all-time after Manchester United.
