Arsenal have defeated Manchester City on penalties to win 2023 Community Shield after settling for a dramatic 1-1 draw at full time.
Starting Lineup
Arsenal XI: Ramsdale, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber, Partey, Rice, Odegaard, Saka, Martinelli, Havertz.
Manchester City XI: Ortega, Walker, Dias, Stones, Akanji, Kovacic, Rodrigo, Silva, Grealish, Alvarez, Haaland.
The two clubs renewed hostilities as they locked horns in 2023 Community Shield clash at Wembley.
It was a dreary first half for the Gunners, who were effectively tamed by Manchester City. City wielded absolute dominance from start but found it tough breaking through Arsenal’s defense.
With over 80% of the ball possession, Manchester City had enough of the ball to take the lead but struggled in front of goal. They recorded no single goal attempt throughout the first half.
Arsenal struggled to match the pace, press, and the dominant display of the treble winners but did not go close enough to prove fatal when launching attacks.
Kai Havertz impressed on his first competitive debut for the Gunners as he added great momentum to Arsenal’s attack. The former Chelsea man had a golden chance to put Arsenal ahead early in the second half after being fed inside the box but was wrongfooted as he tried to fire on goal.
The Gunners maintained a good attacking momentum when with the ball and managed four attempts with two on target.
The Gunners had a slew of attacking threats in the first half more than opponents despite struggling for possession.
Bukayo Saka was a constant threat on the right wing and nearly put the Gunners ahead after he cut pass Manuel Akanji but ended up blasting his attempt wide across goal.
Gabriel Martinelli also proved deadly on the left against Kyle Walker. The Brazil international hacked a shot into the box after dribbling Walker but his attempt was blocked by John Stones.
Manchester City continued on their good spell of possession but could not make a tangible attempt to save Rodri’s low shot from 25 yards out which rolled out for a goal kick.
It was a good first half start for Manchester City but Arsenal looked more deadly when with the ball and ended the first half strongly with a barren draw with two attempts on target.
It was still a Manchester City show early in the second half but the Gunners gave a more improved performance although playing second fiddle to the treble winners.
The Gunners contested strongly for possession and curtailed City’s dominance but could not record more attempts as they failed to penetrate City’s stone wall defense.
Both sides struggled in front of goal and could not find the back of the net as the game crossed the half hour mark.
After fierce battle, Cole Palmer beat Tierney and fired into the top corner to put Manchester City ahead in the 77th minute.
Arsenal fought back to restore parity in the final minutes. Leandro scored a 90+11th minute goal to drag the game to penalties.
It ended in favor of Arsenal as the Gunners won 4-1 in shootouts to emerge 2023 Community Shield champions. Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, and Vieira scored their penalties for Arsenal while Bernardo Silva was the only player who scored for City.
Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri missed their spotkicks as Arsenal ran out with a 4-1 shootout win.
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