Arsenal Wins Community Shield in Penalty Shootout
The Community Shield, also known as the English Super Cup, was claimed by Arsenal footballers in a thrilling match that ended in a penalty shootout. Luck was on their side, but it was their solid defense that ultimately secured their 2-1 victory. The standout player in midfield was the hundred-million-pound man, Declan Rice, whose performance was praised by former firebrand Roy Keane.
In the first half, Manchester City dominated possession and it seemed like the first goal was inevitable. However, Arsenal’s well-organized defensive block kept them at bay, and goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale did not face a single shot on target in the first half.
In the second half, City broke the deadlock with a superbly placed shot from Cole Palmer from the edge of the box, putting the reigning U21 European champion ahead with just fifteen minutes remaining. But Arsenal refused to give up.
In the 11th minute of stoppage time, Leandro Trossard sent the match to penalties with a fortunate strike that deflected off substitute goalkeeper Stefan Ortega Manuel Akanji.
Arsenal’s penalty takers showed nerves of steel, converting all their spot-kicks, while City’s Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri failed to find the back of the net. The Community Shield trophy now heads to the Emirates Stadium, with new signings Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber, and Kai Havertz celebrating their first trophy with the Gunners and disappointing Pep Guardiola.
Guardiola seemed irritable in his post-match interview, stating, „We have lost the Community Shield for the third time in a row. Why? I don’t know, but what’s important is that we win the Premier League. This is football, sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. It’s time to congratulate the opponents. Manchester City is a great team, but sometimes you just lose. I would like to remind everyone of our treble from last season, which is an exceptional achievement.“
It appears that the Spanish manager does not place much importance on the national Super Cup. Otherwise, it would be hard to justify keeping players like Ederson and De Bruyne on the bench. However, the spotlight was on one of Guardiola’s rivals.
Declan Rice will be under scrutiny due to his astronomical transfer fee, and former tough-tackling midfielder and Manchester United icon Roy Keane shared his thoughts on the player. „It’s clear that he will now be surrounded by better teammates than at West Ham. If Arteta uses him higher up the pitch, he could contribute more goals. He is obviously physically strong. And it was the physical aspect that Arsenal struggled with at the end of last season,“ Keane remarked.
While Rice delivered a solid performance in the Super Cup, Keane expressed some doubts. „Declan is undoubtedly a good player, but it’s evident that Arsenal paid too much for him. In my opinion, he’s not worth 100 million pounds,“ added the seven-time Premier League winner.
In a three-man midfield, Martin Ödegaard is expected to take on offensive duties, with Thomas Partey providing defensive cover. Rice will likely play as the link between them, but the question remains how many attacking responsibilities Arteta will assign him and how Ödegaard will utilize him.