Arsenal beat Manchester City on penalties to win the Community Shield 2023

Arsenal claimed their first trophy of the season by defeating Manchester City 4-2 on penalties in the Community Shield 2023 at Wembley Stadium on August 7, 2023. The match ended 1-1 in normal time, with Leandro Trossard scoring a late equalizer for the Gunners after Cole Palmer had put City ahead.

City, who had won the Premier League, FA Cup, and League Cup last season, were aiming to add another piece of silverware to their collection, but they were frustrated by a resilient Arsenal side that showed plenty of improvement under Mikel Arteta. He had brought in several new signings, including Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber, and Declan Rice, who all impressed on their debuts.

Havertz had two early chances to give Arsenal the lead, but he failed to convert from close range. City gradually grew into the game and created some opportunities of their own, with Palmer forcing a good save from Ramsdale. The deadlock was finally broken in the 77th minute when Palmer curled a superb shot into the top corner from outside the box.

Arsenal did not give up and found a way back into the game in the 90+11th minute when Trossard’s shot from the edge of the area took a deflection off Manuel Akanji and wrong-footed Ederson. The Belgian winger celebrated his first goal for the club in style as he ran toward the Arsenal fans and kissed the badge.

The match went to penalties, where Arsenal showed their composure and accuracy. Martin Odegaard, Trossard, Bukayo Saka, and Fabio Vieira scored from the spot, while City missed two of their four attempts. Kevin De Bruyne, who had come on as a substitute after recovering from an ankle injury, smashed his penalty against the crossbar, and Rodri had his shot saved by Ramsdale.

Arsenal lifted the Community Shield for the 17th time in their history, equaling Liverpool’s record. Klopp praised his players for their performance and said it was a great start to the season. He also thanked the fans for their support and said he hoped to bring more success to the club.

City manager Pep Guardiola congratulated Arsenal for their victory and said his team had played well but lacked some sharpness in front of goal. He said he was happy with Palmer’s goal and De Bruyne’s return, but he also admitted being disappointed with the result. He said he hoped to bounce back in their next game against Burnley in the Premier League opener.