Mikel Arteta says he hopes Aaron Ramsdale’s mentality ahead of the Community Shield was not affected by Arsenal’s interest in Brentford goalkeeper David Raya — because goalkeepers are always being pushed, whoever their understudies are.
Ramsdale saved a penalty from Rodri and made three excellent saves late in the match as Arsenal won the Community Shield at Wembley against a Manchester City side who won a historic treble last season.
After substitute Cole Palmer had put City ahead after 77 minutes, a sub of Arteta’s own got Arsenal back level when Leandro Trossard equalised in the 11th minute of stoppage time via two deflections.
Arsenal prevailed 4-1 in a penalty shootout, winning their first silverware since this competition back in 2020.
Asked whether Ramsdale might have felt he had a point to prove ahead of the match, Arteta insisted: “I hope not, because the competition always exists, whoever it is. That’s how it has to feel like.
“He was great. We practise penalties a lot on purpose in pre-season to be ready [for] this. We went through disappointment against Manchester United [losing a shoot-out in pre-season], and we didn’t stop any of that [preparation].
“I think we had some great moments in the game, especially in the first half with three massive chances. When you don’t put them away, you know what can happen.”
Arteta was pleased with his substitutions, including Trossard, who equalised at the death.
“I think we made the right choices,” said the Gunners boss. “The changes helped, the formation change helped. We kept some belief and some momentum and that allowed us to [level] the game, and then [win on] penalties.”
Arsenal begin their Premier League campaign on Saturday, when they host last season’s relegation survivors Nottingham Forest at the Emirates.
Arteta added: “It feels great. I don’t think it gets much better than winning a trophy at Wembley against the best team in the world — and winning it the way we’ve done it. So [it was] really encouraging.”
