- By defeating Manchester City, Arsenal has beaten Manchester City to start the English Premier League the way the team intends to finish it. The Football Association’s Community Shield was decided on penalties on Sunday at Wembley Stadium after a 1-1 draw in the regular season. Arsenal defeated City 4-1 in the shootout to win the match and the trophy.
- The winners of the Premier League and FA Cup competitions from the previous season traditionally compete in this match. Arsenal participated in the title race as the runner-up in the league and may have acquired a psychological advantage going into the new season that begins on Friday because City won both as part of the title treble that included the Champions League for the first time.
- After coming off the bench, Cole Palmer scored a curling goal in the 78th minute to give City the lead. However, Leandro Trossard scored with a deflected drive in the 11th minute of second-half stoppage time to draw the game and force penalties.
- With Gabriel Jesus out with an injury, Arsenal had the better chances throughout the entire 90 minutes, with Bukayo Saka missing wide and off-season signing Kai Havertz having two close-range shots in the first half saved.
- Aaron Ramsdale stopped a shot from Rodri after Kevin De Bruyne struck the crossbar with a strong penalty kick, allowing Fabio Vieira the chance to seal the victory for Arsenal. It was curled high into the corner by the Portuguese playmaker.
- With players and coaches having agreed to a so-called “Participant Charter,” which implies they will face stiffer fines for bad behavior in matches, the game also served as an early indication of what to anticipate from match officials in the upcoming season.
