Arsenal Defeats Manchester City to Win Community Shield

Arsenal defeated Manchester City with a score of 4-1 in a penalty shootout to win the Community Shield on Sunday, marking the first blow in the rivalry between the two clubs this season.

Fabio Vieira scored the winning penalty kick after Arsenal equalized in regular time to secure a 1-1 draw with the Premier League champions and take the match to a penalty shootout at Wembley Stadium, London.

The Community Shield match often carries a friendly atmosphere, but with cynical fouls and hard tackles under the London sun, the intensity was no less than the competition for the title last season where City emerged as the winner.

For us, this is a statement. It’s a sign that we can beat Man City in big matches when needed,” said Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.

I’m not sure what this season will be like. But that mental block is gone. We’re ready to step up now.

Despite City having the majority of possession in the first half, Arsenal had the better chances, with Kai Havertz, a new signing this summer, squandering two opportunities for a debut goal as both his attempts were saved by Stefan Ortega.

Pep Guardiola’s team showed more intent in the second half, with John Stones having a header saved, but substitute Cole Palmer broke the deadlock with a curling effort from outside the box that beat Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.

Ramsdale was then called into action twice, making saves from Phil Foden and Rodri to keep the deficit at one goal.

Eight minutes of added time turned into 13 after a clash of heads between Kyle Walker and Thomas Partey left both players needing headbands,

With Arsenal fighting hard to equalize, Leandro Trossard’s goal off a deflection in the 101st minute leveled the score.

In the subsequent penalty shootout, City’s Kevin De Bruyne struck the post with his shot, and Ramsdale saved Rodri’s weak attempt,

Before Vieira secured Arsenal’s 17th victory in the season opener, moving them to second place behind Manchester United in the all-time list.

This win extends City’s streak of losses in Community Shield matches, following their defeats to Liverpool last season and Leicester City in 2021.

“We have to bounce back and move on,” said City’s goal scorer Palmer.