The Arsenal Win- Mikel Arteta’s men tasted second top honour trophy this year after beating Liverpool on penalties in the FA Community Shield. It was 1-1 after normal time. Arsenal’s talisman Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang once again made the difference on the main stage for his team. He scored the opener in the contest and converted the winning penalty in the shoot out.
Champions Liverpool were thawed by Arsenal’s defensive class as they failed to open up with whatever ammunition they had in their disposal. Even though they got back to the game with Minamino it looked threatening whenever Arsenal got the grip on the play. Ultimately, teenage sensation Rhian Brewster was unlucky to strike the cross piece in the shootout that led his side leave Wembley empty-handed.
1) Arteta’s emphatic tactics to neutralize Liverpool’s strength
Just like the fixture they played at Emirates last month, Arsenal put up an excellent defensively solid show to have the last laugh in the evening. Unlike their display on that game, Gunners created some decent attacking chances to take the game to the opposition.
They led Liverpool to dominate possession but frustrated them equally void of creating any real chances. The Reds and whites were easily able to contain the threat brought in by the celebrated front three of the Reds. They did allow Robertson space from the left but made sure nobody gets on the end of his crosses. All together, Mikel got his tactics spot on yet again in a crucial matchup.
2) Liverpool have a slow build-up to the new campaign
This is not something new for the Reds because they faced a similar situation last year too. Before the season they award themselves as champions, Klopp’s men lost the same competition to Manchester City on back of a not so convincing pre-season. Something similar happened today with them looking very much second best.
The positive thing is that Liverpool still carries the hunger of recovering deficit, this is something which helped them extract crucial results last season. However, Klopp will want to remove this defeat from the player’s mind and get going for their title defence in the upcoming season, just weeks behind.
3) Ainsley Maitland-Niles giving Arsenal transfer dilemma
Arteta previously claimed that he likes to play the 23-year-old in Arsenal’s most important game. And what a game it was for him. The Englishman switched to a versatile role in the duration of the game to give his side enormous option both in attack and defence. He also carried an incredible work-rate on the pitch when other’s feet gave away.
Niles’s incredible evening also gives Arsenal a thinking time whether to hold the player or let him go. The Spaniard has used him in games like this but he is often left out for a big chunk of time. However, the Gunners may ease up transfer demands in the summer by keeping him in their ranks, convinced by such displays from him.
4) Aubameyang needs to be tied down for sure
The Gabon International scored a beautiful curler, gave a tribute to Chadwick Bosman aka The Black Panther. Post scoring, he signalled the board to prepare an improved contract for him. Aubameyang made Wembley his home again finishing a recognizable Arsenal attack and lifted his side to another important silverware by converting the winning penalty.
The man of big moments now, the 30-year-old is showing all glamour and prestige. His performances are helping take this club to a whole new level if they are serious to tie him down. After a delightful season last term, he will replicate the same in the new one and beyond. That is if everything goes right for him and the club from now on.
5) Arsenal prepared for the new campaign
Lastly, it is safe to say that Arsenal has done a solid preparation ahead of the new campaign. Although not a serious competition, the North London side will take this prize wholeheartedly. It will be a great way to kick start a positive period. They have got a fantastic manager in making in Arteta.
With the board and player’s help, the Spaniard will achieve goals for everyone associated with the club. They are on the brink of getting back their lost glories if they continue to perform like this. Two or three signings will improve this side even more. It can help the club with more comfortable football in the campaigns ahead.
