Arsenal were in action in the Community Shield on Saturday afternoon against Premier League champions Liverpool. The Gunners looked excellent in the first half, with Aubameyang putting them ahead. The second half saw Arsenal tire and Liverpool start to dominate – Minamino then equalised. The game then had to be settled via a penalty shootout.
Brewster was the first to miss from either team, as Nelson, Maitland-Niles and Cedric all scored to give the Gunners a 3-2 lead. Minamino then equalled the score before Luiz put Arsenal ahead again. With one penalty each to go, Curtis Jones stepped up for Liverpool, needing to score, and he did. Then it was down to Aubameyang. The star of Wembley in recent months needed to score to win – he stepped up and SCORED! Arsenal win the Community Shield! See our ratings below.
Emiliano Martinez – 7
Wasn’t tested at all in the first half – early in the second half he made a great save against Mane coming off his line and making himself big (twice). Could do nothing about Minamino’s goal.
Rob Holding – 6
Probably the shakiest of Arsenal’s back three. Was saved by Emi after Mane got past him, but overall not a bad game from the Englishman who is heading to Newcastle on loan.
David Luiz – 7
Marshalled the Arsenal defence well. Defended with confidence and passed the ball really positively, despite the presence of three brilliant Liverpool attackers.
Kieran Tierney – 8
The Scot was in excellent form again for Arsenal, this time playing as a left centre back, like he did in the FA Cup final. Made some vital defensive interceptions and headers to deny Liverpool. Had to come off after 80mins from (hopefully) cramp.
Hector Bellerin – 6
Hector looked slightly off the pace and rusty with some dodgy touches, but he did make some intelligent passes and presses to help Arsenal today.
Mohammed Elneny – 8
Many raised eyebrows at Elneny’s inclusion, but the fact is with Ceballos gone and Torreira and Guendouzi out of favour, Mo may have to at least start the season for Arsenal. He surprised everybody with his calmness in possession and good pressing abilities. Perhaps there is a place in the squad for him still?
Granit Xhaka – 7
Solid game from Granit – as usual gave the team shape in midfield and helped us build from the back.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles – 8
Again playing as a left wing back, Ainsley was confident in those one vs one scenarios as always and never looked troubled by Liverpool’s full strength attack. If he was in the shop window before, his price may have just creeped up again.
Bukayo Saka – 8
An excellent performance from our new number 7! Saka played from the right and cut inside to create numerous chances and was tidy and confident in possesion. Assist for Aubameyang’s first half goal.
Eddie Nketiah – 6
Good movement and work rate as usual, but poor finishing in the first half where he should’ve scored at least one and maybe two or three.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 8
Unbelievable finish for his first goal. He loves Wembley and is beginning to love the big games! Played from the left in a front three again. Hopefully some good news on him extending next week.
Substitutes
Cedric Soares – 6
Came on for Bellerin after 58 minutes. Great cross to present Willock with a huge chance to win the game.
Reiss Nelson – N/A
Sead Kolasinac – N/A
Joe Willock – N/A