Arsenal Win Community Shield On Penalties Over Man City

Equalizing 1-1 in the 11th minute of extra time, the “Gunners” then defeated their arch-rivals 4-1 on penalties to win the English Super Cup 2023.

What seemed like the first title of the new season was about to fall into Manchester City’s pocket when young talent Cole Palmer put them ahead with a textbook curler. The goal originated from a quick attack when Phil Foden got past Thomas Partey in midfield and Kieran Tierney’s lackluster clearance allowed Kevin De Bruyne to set up his teammate to finish.

Two consecutive saves by Aaron Ramsdale helped Arsenal avoid a second goal. The English keeper denied Foden in a one-on-one and then refused Rodri’s diving header from the resulting corner. However, Arsenal looked relatively stagnant in attack. Thus, despite eight minutes of added time in the second half, not many thought the “Gunners” could turn the tables.

In the fourth minute of added time, a collision occurred between Kyle Walker and Partey, causing a four-minute interruption. As a result, the extra time in the second half was increased to 12 minutes according to the new regulations. This contributed to Arsenal’s dramatic equalizer in the 11th minute. After a failed corner kick, substitute Leandro Trossard dribbled and took a shot outside the box. The strike looked harmless but deflected off Manuel Akanji, leaving keeper Stefan Ortega helpless.

With the score tied after two halves, the two teams had to decide the winner on penalties. In the shootout, Ramsdale continued to play the hero for Arsenal. After Kevin De Bruyne hammered the crossbar in the first round, the Arsenal keeper saved Rodri’s attempt in the third round, giving the “Gunners” a huge advantage.

In the fourth round, Fabio Vieira shot into the top left corner, leaving Ortega no chance despite guessing the right way for the first time in the shootout. Previously, Odegaard, Trossard, and Bukayo Saka had all scored successfully while Bernardo Silva was the only player to complete his mission for Man City.

This win is a well-deserved reward for Arsenal’s efforts. Although they have yet to overwhelm Man City, the newcomers’ integration has helped Arsenal compete on equal terms and create scoring chances at times. These include Kai Havertz’s close-range shot denied by Ortega or Saka’s effort going just wide. In the 40th minute, Havertz had a second golden opportunity after a sublime pass from Saka but still failed to hit the target, allowing Ortega to save it.

For Man City, their two best chances in the first half both fell to midfielder Rodri. Those were a long-range curler going just wide in the 14th minute and a volley from halfway when he saw Ramsdale come off his line but missed the bar. Early in the second half, it was John Stones’ turn to threaten Arsenal’s goal with a close-range header, directing the ball to where Ramsdale had already chosen.

Guardiola’s substitutions proved effective, helping Man City take the lead in the second half. All three players he brought on: De Bruyne, Foden, and Palmer left their mark on the opening goal. However, Arteta was no less impressive as one of his substitutes shone to equalize for Arsenal. One thing that probably pleased the “Gunners” fans in this game was both newcomers Jurren Timber and Declan Rice performing well, contributing to the team’s gameplay.

Man City will face Burnley in their Premier League 2023-2024 opener on August 11th before taking on Sevilla in the UEFA Super Cup on August 17th. Meanwhile, Arsenal will start their season by hosting Nottingham Forest on August 12th.

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