Arsenal have proved they can slug it out with Manchester City: Mikel Arteta

LONDON – Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal’s Community Shield victory against Manchester City proves they can go toe-to-toe with the treble winners in the English Premier League title race.

Arteta’s side issued a significant statement of intent ahead of the new season by

fighting back to beat City 4-1 on penalties

after a 1-1 draw at Wembley on Sunday.

Cole Palmer’s superb curler had given City a 77th-minute lead, but Arsenal refused to surrender and Leandro Trossard equalised with a deflected effort 11 minutes into stoppage time.

It was the kind of lucky break that deserted Arsenal when they blew an eight-point lead in the title battle last season, allowing City to extend their Premier League reign with a fifth crown in six seasons.

Gunners goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale told ITV: “It’s a statement. It’s a marker to know we can go and beat Man City in a big game when it matters. I’m not sure what it’ll be like this season. But that mental block is gone. We’re ready to push on now.”

New signing Declan Rice added: “This is what I envisioned when I joined... I’m sure we can achieve anything this season – we just need to remain focused.” 

The Gunners took full advantage of Trossard’s fortuitous leveller, converting all four of their penalties in the shoot-out, while Kevin de Bruyne hit the bar and Rodri’s effort was saved by Ramsdale.

Fabio Vieira’s winning penalty sparkled wild celebrations from Arteta and his players in a cathartic moment after their title misery.

With the new Premier League season starting on Friday, Arteta is convinced his side’s Wembley escape act will bode well.

“It’s great if the players are convinced they can beat every team. I think we showed a real determination and fight to win the game,” he said.

“We deserved to win against a team that has played in so many finals. It doesn’t get much better than winning a trophy at Wembley against the best team in the world.”

Offering further encouragement for Arteta were solid debuts from close-season signings Rice and Jurrien Timber in central midfield and left-back respectively.

Kai Havertz, Arsenal’s other major recruit, was less impressive, missing two golden opportunities in a continuation of the erratic form that convinced Chelsea to sell him.

Arteta defended Havertz, saying: “Havertz was superb, the way he pressed, he was in great positions to score. I was very pleased with him.”

The Arsenal manager also stuck up for the new time-wasting rules that led to eight minutes of stoppage time, plus an additional five minutes on top of that due to injuries in the extra period.

“We are going to have to be prepared to play 100 minutes because it is going to happen every week. It’s good because it was going too far the other way,” he said.

As the victim of the stoppage-time increase on this occasion, it was no surprise City boss Pep Guardiola disagreed.

“It’s a good question for the international board because they don’t consult with managers and players. Now the games will be 100 minutes,” he said.

“Nothing happened today and there was eight minutes. If the score is 4-3, you put 45 seconds on for (each of the) seven goals, tomorrow morning I am still here playing!”

Raphael Varane, from City’s bitter rivals Manchester United, seemed to agree, posting on social media on Monday: “Despite our previous feedbacks, they have now recommended for next season: longer games, more intensity, and less emotions to be shown by players.

“We just want to be in good condition on the pitch to give 100 per cent to our club and fans. Why are our opinions not being heard?”

Although Arsenal looked the more hungry side for long periods at Wembley, Guardiola had no complaints about City’s subdued performance.

“I’m surprised how good we behaved. We faced an extraordinary team. The thing was to get minutes to the players and get ready for Burnley on Friday,” he said.

“We finished an incredibly stressful season. I know how difficult this can be. We can do better, that is the target.”

Keen to ensure the loss was kept in perspective, Guardiola reminded his audience that defeats in the previous two Community Shields had been followed by City titles.

“We lost three in a row. Do you know why? Because we won the Premier League to be here!” he said. AFP