Mikel Arteta is beaming with pride as he hails his Arsenal players’ unwavering belief in their abilities following their triumphant Community Shield victory against Manchester City at Wembley. The Gunners secured a sensational 4-1 penalty shootout win after a 1-1 draw, capping off an exhilarating showdown under the London sunshine.
Despite going behind to Cole Palmer’s brilliant strike, Arsenal’s determination was on full display as Leandro Trossard equalized in the 11th minute of injury time, utilizing the new added-on time rule to their advantage.
The penalty shootout became a psychological battleground, and Arsenal emerged with a distinct advantage, having previously triumphed against Monaco and Liverpool from 12 yards. Martin Odegaard, Trossard, and Bukayo Saka confidently converted their penalties, while Kevin De Bruyne’s effort hit the crossbar before Aaron Ramsdale denied Rodri’s shot.
The hero of the shootout, Ramsdale, showcased his brilliance throughout the match, saving Phil Foden’s close-range attempt and demonstrating remarkable reactions to thwart Rodri’s near-post header. Arteta praised Ramsdale’s performance, highlighting his crucial contributions in securing the title.
The Community Shield triumph at Wembley has left Arteta elated, relishing the victory over the “best team in the world” and underscoring the players’ conviction that they can take on any opponent. The Gunners’ resilience and determination proved to be the deciding factors in their well-deserved win.
As Arsenal prepares to kick off the 2023-24 Premier League season against Nottingham Forest, Arteta emphasizes the competition for minutes within the squad and the need for players to rise to the challenge. Ramsdale’s exceptional display is a testament to the fierce competition for starting positions, which Arteta believes will drive his players to perform at their best.
This marks Arsenal’s 17th Community Shield title, adding to the club’s rich history of success. The victory serves as an inspiring launch pad for the Gunners as they embark on their Premier League journey, fuelled by the belief that they can conquer any challenge that comes their way.
