Arsenal are kicking off their new season perfectly. The Gunners won, after the penalty shootout (1-1, 4 to 1 tab), the 101st edition of the Community Shield which opposes the champion of England and the winner of the FA Cup. Manchester City having won both competitions, it was their runner-up in the Premier League, namely Arsenal, who were in front. This is the 19th Community Shield gleaned by the London team, which returns to success after 2020.
The miracle Gunners came back in the very last moments of added time (90th 11) thanks to a double countered strike from Leandro Trossard, by Julian Alvarez then Manuel Akanji. Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri missed their respective penalties, allowing Mikel Arteta’s men to win 4-1 in the penalty shootout after the last converted by Fabio Vieira.
Young Cole Palmer (21) trained at Manchester City unblocked the situation for his team in the 77th minute in a very tight encounter until then. The first period, very committed, saw neither of the two formations come off despite two superb chances for the newcomer from Arsenal Kai Havertz (25th and 39th) powerless against the two saves of Stefan Ortega. Twice also, Rodri almost deceived Ramsdale on a low shot close to the post (15th) and on a lobe from 50 meters (43rd) again without success.
Little in sight, the Norwegian star striker of the European champions, Erling Haaland, left shortly after the hour mark, replaced by the young Cole Palmer, hero a few minutes later. The latter distinguished himself as soon as he appeared with a first shot from the left foot blocked by Timber, which passed just above the goal of Ramsdale, before finally setting the sights afterwards. Found by De Bruyne after some fine work from Foden, Palmer wrapped up a delicious shot that ended up in Aaron Ramsdale’s side netting.
All this will not have been enough in the face of the success of the Londoners in stoppage time, then in penalties. The Citizens will have the opportunity to make up for it by winning another title, against Sevilla FC, during the European Super Cup on Wednesday August 16.
