Arsenal won the Community Shield on penalties after defeating Manchester City on penalties last season. Cole Palmer came off the bench to score a beautiful goal for the Treble winners in a close match between last season’s top two in the Premier League, but Leandro Trossard’s late deflected attempt forced the game to penalties, which the Gunners triumphed.
Arsenal won the Community Shield after defeating Manchester City 4-1 on penalties in the season opener for the 2023-24 Premier League at Wembley Stadium.
Fabio Vieira scored the game-winning penalty for Arsenal after Kevin de Bruyne and Rodri failed to convert for the Treble champions.
Following replacement Cole Palmer’s exquisite opening, Mikel Arteta’s team seemed to be on the edge of loss, but a leveller 11 minutes into stoppage time through Leandro Trossard’s badly deflected shot recovered a 1-1 draw and forced a shoot-out.
Pep Guardiola’s side had been fully dominating in the opening moments, with Julian Alvarez barely missing a huge connection with a header.
Arsenal, who gave their three summer arrivals debuts from the outset, came into the game and had the best two chances of the opening 45 minutes. Kai Havertz had both opportunities but was excellently stopped by City custodian Stefan Ortega.
Man City stepped up again in the second half, and Palmer seemed to have won it 13 minutes from time when he curled a superb left-foot strike into the far corner.
However, deep into stoppage time, Trossard’s speculative attempt deflected in off Manuel Akanji, and Arsenal completed the amazing comeback from the spot.
On Friday night, Manchester City will begin their Premier League championship defence against former captain Vincent Kompany’s freshly promoted Burnley.
On Saturday, Arsenal will face Nottingham Forest in a midday match that will be shown exclusively on TNT Sports.
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DISCUSSION POINT
Arsenal pulls off a spectacular comeback to set the tone for the forthcoming season.
This showdown between last season’s top two was much anticipated, especially considering Arsenal’s recent spending spree on recruits that they believe can overcome the gap to the Premier League summit.
The Gunners also performed well, with the three of new additions fitting in and looking very capable.
Declan Rice was solid in the middle, while Jurrien Timber was outstanding on both sides of the ball on the left side of the back four.
Havertz was not brought in as a primary striker, but he was dangerous in that role, and his versatility between midfield and attack will be crucial as the season progresses.
Given the psychological effect of last season’s title-race collapse, this was perhaps a more crucial occasion for the Gunners, and Arteta and co will take substantial positives, especially given the never-say-die spirit that finally paid rewards.
It may be a significant moment for Arsenal, but it is unlikely to have a significant impact on City. They had lost their previous two Community Shield matches and still won the trophy that season, so Guardiola will not linger on this setback for long.
Josko Gvardiol is still available for City, and Mateo Kovacic looked cool and quiet in the middle. Of course, the effect of Palmer and Foden was significant, with both replacements providing the Spanish coach with much to ponder about ahead of next week’s Premier League opening.
WINNER OF THE MATCH
Arsenal’s William Saliba. The centre back was commanding throughout and held Erling Haaland at bay throughout his time on the field. The defender’s injury was a major role in Arsenal’s late-season slump, and he once again displayed his skill on the ball and with his game reading here.
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