Arsenal won the Community Shield by beating Manchester City 4-1 in a shootout having only forced penalties thanks to an equaliser in the 11th minute of injury time.
Jurrien Timber, Kai Havertz and Declan Rice all started — making their official debuts for the Gunners in front of 81,145 fans at Wembley — and they were all left smiling from the bench when Fabio Vieira struck the winning penalty in a one-sided shootout.
Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli rued missed chances in the first half when substitute Palmer curled the ball round a tumbling Kieran Tierney and into the net — until substitute Leandro Trossard scored a twice-deflected equaliser at the death.
Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri both failed from 12 yards as Arsenal lifted silverware at City’s expense.
Dom Smith was at Wembley to rate the Arsenal players’ performances…
Aaron Ramsdale — 9
Was almost embarassed when Rodri tried to lob him from his own half. Saved well from John Stones’s second-half header, remarkably from Phil Foden late on, and then in even more impressive cirumstances from Rodri’s flicked header. And then to great, great effect from Rodri in the shoot-out.
Ben White — 8
Excellent on the right flank. Distributed the ball well, went toe-to-toe with England teammate Jack Grealish and showed in his offensive play why he is a better full-back than centre-half. One late error went unpunished.
William Saliba — 7
Excellently snuffed out a dangerous cross in the first half. Could be crucial for Arsenal again this season.
Gabriel — 6
Combined well with his centre-back partner both in and out of possession. Steady.
Jurrien Timber — 7
Well-positioned to block a Kyle Walker cross early in the second half, and then to block a late Palmer effort. A good full debut for the club.
WHAT A TURNAROUND 🤯@Arsenal are your #CommunityShield champions after a penalty-shootout 🏆 pic.twitter.com/bFhx6ECN9S
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) August 6, 2023
Thomas Partey — 7
A decent-enough performance from the Ghanaian; particularly effective towards the beginning of the match.
Declan Rice — 8
Not a vintage start from Arsenal’s new star man, but he showed glimpses of his marauding self early in the second half and then gently raised his game to produce an eventually industrious display. His stamina sets him apart from most midfielders anywhere else on the planet.
Martin Odegaard — 7
Good performance from a man whose creativity was vital for Arsenal’s title push last campaign and will be pivotal again this term. Good penalty to start the shoot-out off.
Bukayo Saka — 7
Had the beating of Manuel Akanji down right flank, and cut in on Jack Grealish and shot just wide in first half. Very lively. Scored from the spot.
Kai Havertz — 6
Some neat touches, which he often showed at Chelsea. Was fouled a bit, but later produced a needless kick-out and was duly shown a yellow card. Missed two pretty clear openings in the first half, which would and should have had the Gunners ahead at the break.
Gabriel Martinelli — 7
Excellent hold-up play at moments, but took a first-half corner which went out of play behind the goal. Grew into the game before being replaced by Leandro Trossard.
Subs:
Leandro Trossard (Martinelli, 75’) — 7
Was rather isolated out on the left flank (bad luck) until he benefitted from two deflections to score a crazy 101st-minute equaliser that took the game to penalties (very, very good luck).
Kieran Tierney (Timber, 75’) — 5
An untimely slip cost him dearly just two minutes after he came on, allowing Cole Palmer to curl in.
Eddie Nketiah (Rice, 80’) — N/A
Emile Smith Rowe (Gabriel, 87’) — N/A
Fabio Vieira (Havertz, 87’) — N/A
Struck the winner from the spot — effortlessly.
