Arsenal 1-1 Manchester City (4-1 on penalties)

Soak it up. Arsenal lift the 2023 Community Shield here at Wembley to the sound of Angel #NorthLondonForever pic.twitter.com/WiT3kBh3em

— Layth (@laythy29) August 6, 2023

Arsenal lifted the Community Shield after dramatic scenes at Wembley Stadium following Fabio Vieira's winning spot-kick to seal silverware for the jubilant Gunners, writes Alex Walsh.

Manchester City had been cruising to victory prior to Leandro Trossard's late equaliser after 11 minutes time added, that sent an absorbing match into a penalty shootout that the Gunners gleefully triumphed..

Manchester City's talented teen Cole Palmer's excellent strike for Pep Guardiola's treble winners was cancelled out by Trossard's late equaliser, to ensure it was honours even over 90 minutes in this gripping Wembley curtain raiser, before the Gunners sealed the penalty shootout.

There was much to admire from both sides during the traditional season-opener at the national stadium in front of 81,145 supporters on a sunny Sunday afternoon under the arch in north west London.

Find out who impressed with our Player Ratings

Aaron Ramsdale: 9/10

Arsenal might well have a new goalkeeper before the season starts in David Raya, who will be competing with Ramsdale for that number one spot. Ramsdale himself gave the Arsenal fans a big scare after about 30 minutes, where he took a slightly bad touch and the ball almost rolled into the net. Apart from that his distribution was very good and he made the saves that he had to. Didn’t really stand a chance from Palmer’s brilliant strike. Made a terrific save towards the end from Foden’s effort. Managed to save Rodri’s penalty and help us win the penalty shootout. 

Benjamin White: 8/10 

The ever so reliable White played brilliantly today. Not only did he defend well against Grealish, but he also created chances offensively, setting up an opportunity for Havertz around the 25-minute mark. I must admit I had almost forgotten just how good White is; for me, he was one of the best Arsenal players today.  

Gabriel: 7/10

He didn’t shine as bright as Saliba but was solid as a rock at the back. His presence in the team is undeniable and he radiates calmness to the rest of his teammates. Won everything in the air and his progressive passing was decent. 

William Saliba: 8/10

The last time Arsenal played Manchester City they were without Saliba and played with Rob Holding, who struggled against Haaland. Today he showed just how much we missed him last season towards the end. He is one of the very few defenders in the league, that can match Haaland physically. His anticipation today and calmness was an absolute joy to watch, Rolls Royce of a defender. Arsenal might have spent a lot of money this summer, but the best business might have been extending Saliba’s contract. 

Jurriën Timber: 8/10

The flying Dutchman had indeed been flying for The Gunners during preseason and started the game as an inverted left back. He looked incredibly confident on the ball, very press resistant. He also gave Bernardo Silva a very hard time with his tough defending. There is no doubt in my mind, that Timber will play a massive part in the upcoming season. 

Declan Rice: 7/10

The most expensive British player ever, partnered up with Partey in midfield for today’s game. Didn’t see much of him during the opening 25 minutes but I feel like he grew into the game with the rest of the Arsenal team. Did well breaking up the play and his passing was on point too. Created a massive roar amongst the Arsenal supporters after he tracked Bernardo Silva down over 30 meters and managed to win the ball. Could he be the final piece in Arteta’s puzzle to win the Premier League? Only time will tell. 

Thomas Partey: 8/10

A slight change in the officiating saw the midfielder get a yellow card in the start of the match. The PGMOL will be tackling time wasting hard this season and we saw a glimpse of that in this match. I think he showed Arsenal fans again today just why we can’t let him go. There have been many rumors over the summer about Partey leaving but I really struggle to see any players being able to replace what he does. I really think he is one of the best in his position and for me he didn’t do many wrongs today. 

Martin Ødegaard: 8/10

The Norwegian maestro suffered under the lack of possession in the beginning, where he had to do a lot of defending. But like Rice and many others he blossomed as Arsenal grew into the game after a tough opening 25 minutes. His silky touches and excellent passing showed why he was one of the best players in the league last season. Scored his penalty. 

Bukayo Saka: 7/10

Took a nap in the opening minutes as Akanji broke free from him on City’s left side. However, the starboy woke up caused massive trouble for the City defence on that right hand side of the Arsenal attack, especially towards the end of the first half. In the second half he didn’t see too much of the ball, but he just looks dangerous whenever he’s on the ball. Looked tired towards the end of the second half, feel like his performance dropped quite a lot. Scored his penalty. 

Gabriel Martinelli: 6/10

The Brazilian youngster had been on fire in preseason but struggled a little bit, like many others do against Kyle Walker. However, his pace remained a threat to the City defence all throughout the game. His way of interchanging positions with Saka and Havertz made the Arsenal attack very dynamic. 

Kai Havertz: 7/10

One of the new arrivals who joined Arsenal during the summer got his chance up front, with Jesus being sidelined for several weeks. One of Havertz’ forces is his height, and he did very well at holding the ball up against a tough City defence. He also had the biggest chance of the opening 25 minutes, where his effort was denied by Ortega in the City goal. What I really liked about his game today, was how well he did in the relational play. He just lacked the finishing touch today. 

Subs:

Leandro Trossard: 10/10

The Belgian was the topscorer of The Gunner’s preseason campaign and came on for Gabriel Martinelli after 75 minutes. He continued his incredible form and scored yet again to send the game into a penalty shootout. We needed a goal when he came on and he provided just that, the perfect super sub performance. Scored his penalty too. 

Kieran Tierney: 5/10

The Scottish left-back came on for Jurriën Timber after 75 minutes. Didn’t look very good on Man City’s goal for 1-0 as he gave the ball away and then slipped straight after. He simply wan’t ready when he came on and Arsenal played the price for that. 

Eddie Nketiah: 6/10

A player which many fans would rather see leave, than stay at the club. Came on late and didn’t get to impact the game. It seems like Arteta really trusts him, so I think Arsenal fans will have to brace themselves for another season with Eddie. 

Emile Smith-Rowe: N/A

Came on with three minutes to play. 

Fabio Vieira: 10/10

Came on with 3 minutes to play. SCORED THE WINNING PENALTY 

The fans:

10/10 our fans were magnificent today. Didn’t hear anything but Arsenal songs all throughout the game.

The victorious Arsenal team celebrate winning the 2023 Community Shield here at Wembley Stadium pic.twitter.com/mtta0NJnzP

— Layth (@laythy29) August 6, 2023