Sports
Community Shield: Arsenal bounce back to end Man City record dream
Arsenal kept their cool on penalties to end a run of eight straight defeats against Manchester City and win the Community Shield at Wembley.
Kevin De Bruyne hit the crossbar and Aaron Ramsdale saved from Rodri as the Gunners prevailed 4-1 on penalties after Leandro Trossard’s deflected effort deep into injury-time sent the match to spot-kicks.
Cole Palmer replaced Erling Haaland, who made it six games without a goal, and appeared to have become the unlikely match-winner. Palmer curled into the top corner from the edge of the area before Trossard’s shot deflected off Manuel Akanji in the 101st minute to send it to penalties.
Martin Odegaard, Trossard, Bukayo Saka and Fabio Vieira all scored from the spot to win it and spark jubilant celebrations for Mikel Arteta and his players.
It was some turnaround from Arsenal, who had the better chances in the first half, but could not make them count. Stefan Ortega saved from Kai Havertz before Gabriel Martinelli’s follow-up effort was blocked by John Stones.
And City’s back-up goalkeeper kept out another effort from Havertz after the summer signing was found by Bukayo Saka’s cut-back. City’s first shot on target came when John Stones rose highest from a set piece, but Aaron Ramsdale saved his header comfortably.
Palmer’s goal came in the 77th minute and, another substitute, Phil Foden, should have made it 2-0 when played in by Julian Alvarez, only for Ramsdale to make a brilliant stop one-on-one. The Arsenal keeper came up trumps again seconds later to keep out Rodri’s diving header and Trossard’s deflected shot deep in injury-time sent it to penalties.
New rule
They can’t say they weren’t warned. Before the season began, clubs were told of the new rules referees would implement. For those that weren’t paying attention, the first half of this game told them all they needed to know.
Officials’ new bugbears include kicking the ball away and imaginary card waving. Thomas Partey and Alvarez were both booked in the first half for kicking the ball away after a free-kick was awarded, while Mikel Arteta’s animated nature saw him fall foul of the rules, too.
The Arsenal boss was shown a yellow card by Stuart Attwell after charging towards the fourth official to wave a card after Rodri fouled Havertz in the middle of the pitch.
They’re unlikely to prove popular, but the clampdown on certain behaviours is here to stay for the 2023/24 season.
Kai Havertz spurned a few chances in the first half for Arsenal ( Image: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
When Arsenal paid Chelsea £65million for Havertz, it was a major show of faith in a player who has at times struggled for consistency. Nobody was doubting Havertz’s talent and potential, but many were doubting his ability in front of goal.
The German only scored 32 goals in 139 appearances for Chelsea and was often guilty of missing big chances. It’s early days at Arsenal, yet his lack of cutting edge, playing as a No9 in Gabriel Jesus’ absence, was evident in the first half against Man City.
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