Arsenal pull off an amazing turnaround to lift the Community Shield
They were trailing in the tenth minute of added time, but still forced penalties, winning the shootout and clinching silver medals for the first time since 2020. Mikel Arteta, Pep Guardiola’s former apprentice, prevailed against his champion after Kevin De Bruyne hit the bar and Rodri ran the ball tamely into Aaron Ramsdale.
For once, Wembley Stadium were the first to stream out of a Wembley final clad in sky blue, while Arsenal’s fan base stayed to watch a hearty performance of ‘Rocking All Over the World’ – and, of course, collect the trophy.
Arsenal find a way
What a bizarre ending to a bizarre game. In the middle of a final attack late, late in injury time, with Arsenal in Manchester City’s penalty area, substitute Leandro Trossard got the ball Community Shield turned in Arsenal’s favor.
No sooner had he scored from shots against Julian Alvaraz and Manuel Akanji than the game was over and a penalty shootout would decide the fate of both sides.
De Bruyne hit the bar, Rodri slipped within Ramsdale’s reach and Arsenal lifted their first Silver Cup for the first time since winning the trophy three years ago. For City, one that got away. A happy ending out of nowhere for the Gunners.
High intensity
While a trophy was offered here and won’t be in two months, this was a less important clash between Arsenal and City than the Premier League clash at the Emirates on October 7th. And yet it was played at a rather brilliant tempo.
Admittedly, there was no goal in the 13th second like when Ilkay Gündogan scored right at the start of the FA Cup final here in June. In fact, there was no Gündogan either as the German swapped Manchester for Barcelona this summer.
But there was at least the brooding intensity of a Premier League game brought forward a week and integrated into the Community Shield.
Declan Rice’s best quality comes to the fore
It wasn’t a typical performance from a £105million new signing. At least for starters.
Rice came to the fore here in the second half and underlined his authority in the game with a relentless performance – turning the ball around and putting his teammates in good positions. He has the talent to spread the ball in front of his defensive teammates, allowing them to advance towards the ball instead of hitting it back.
This was Arsenal’s day and Rice put a crafting work on it. He looked shaken when he came on for Eddie Nketiah in the 80th minute. He wasn’t even halfway there.
https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/arsenal-win-community-shield-b1098962.html Arsenal pull off an amazing turnaround to lift the Community Shield
