Arsenal and Liverpool played in a compelling FA Community Shield match to kick-start the new EPL season.
Both teams looked fresh and well-rested ahead of the start of the season in a fortnight. Arsenal got things running early in the game, with star man Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang delivering in style again.
Liverpool responded with a goal from ex-RB Salzburg man Minamino Takumi, scoring his first goal in Liverpool colours to extend the game to penalties, with the Gunners eventually emerging victorious.
Here’s what we learnt from the match.
1. Jurgen Klopp fails to win The FA Community shield again
Yes, it might not be a major title to worry about for the Liverpool boss and players, but it’s yet another loss in another cup at the start of the season. Liverpool lost the shield last year to Manchester City on penalties, and today is yet another loss to open the competition.
2. Aubameyang can’t stop scoring
Another game, another goal for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The Arsenal star’s form in front of goal is cogent these days, a sure problem for opposition goalkeepers and defenders. His goals have propped up Arsenal many times, which is no doubt why Mikel Arteta wants him to commit his future to the club.
3. Arteta proves his worth
Mikel Arteta learnt his art from Pep Guardiola and is destined for greatness. It was a fantastic end to the campaign for the Arsenal manager, who defeated Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool at the back end of the season. He will definitely be hoping the new season brings good tidings for him.
4. Arteta wins titles
Arsenal fans might become accustomed to the FA Community Shield, but this is far different from previous finals. Arteta in his short stay as Arsenal boss has brought the team into the Europa League group stages by winning the FA Cup early in August and now yet again he’s becomes a champion via the FA Community Shield, his second title as a manager. It’s hugely positive going forward.
5. Liverpool need to spend
The writing’s on the wall, but failure to read will lead to a further breakdown for the Reds. As far back as February Liverpool was looking like it needed extra firepower. The players need competition across the pitch and in their positions. Jurgen Klopp needs to get fresh legs and a quality bench for the long run of the year. Although league champions, new players are needed.
David Shilovsky
Expert
Agreed, it's a step in the right direction. But Arteta is in the deep end now. I hope for his sake and for Arsenal fans that he swims.
ChrisLee
Roar Pro
Definitely not a successful campaign for Arsenal as a club and the standard of the club. But you have to acknowledge Arteta's work from when he picked up this team to where he finished the season and a trophy to take home. It is a positive, especially going forward.
David Shilovsky
Expert
To point 4 - not sure if others would share this view, but winning the FA Cup, while not meaningless, is not the mark of a successful campaign for a club of Arsenal's standing. Anything less than a top-four finish in 20-21 would be failure for Arteta, but it's going to be challenging this season. Liverpool and City will be one and two, Chelsea and United are both looking good too. Agree that Liverpool will need to strengthen.