Arsenal secured their second trophy in three months yesterday with a thrilling performance at Wembley, running away with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Premier League champions Manchester City.
While we cannot take too much from just one game, especially so early on in the campaign, it did teach Arsenal fans and viewers across the world some valuable things ahead of the upcoming seasons.
Here’s five things we were taught by Arsenal’s dominant display at Wembley.
1. Arsenal Can Compete With The Big Boys
There is no doubt that Arsenal have a talented squad but the question-marks have always been raised regarding performances against the big clubs in the league- Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool.
Last term there were some horrendous displays at Anfield and Stamford Bridge in particular, which struck real dents into Arsenal’s title charge and once again raised concerns over the Gunners performances in crucial games.
Yesterday though, Arsene Wenger’s side showed they have the ability to not only beat the big players in the league but to do it in style. Manchester City were missing key players but so were Arsenal and the Citizens never got a look in.
Arsenal’s defence was solid, the midfield dominated and Wojciech Szczesny was only called into action once or twice. At the other end, the Gunners scored some class goals and once everything is ticking fully up top, then they should find the net more regularly.
The victory was thrilling but the icing on the cake was the performance, as from the first minute to the last Arsenal dominated and frustrated their opponents. It was the closest thing to a perfect victory.