'Arsenal can't get carried away after glorified friendly win over Man City'
Calm down, it was only a glorified friendly.
Arsenal's Community Shield triumph at Wembley will have as much relevance on the Premier League title race as a mid-term by-election when Britain goes to the polls. Gunners keeper Aaron Ramsdale claimed a “mental block” had been lifted after eight consecutive league and cup defeats against Manchester City, and he was entitled to his euphoria.
It was only thanks to Ramsdale's nimble saves that Arsenal took it to a shoot-out. And as well as being a fluke, Leandro Trossard's equaliser came so late under the ridiculous new timekeeping rules that it almost arrived on Monday morning.
Twelve months ago, when City lost the Community Shield against Liverpool at the King Power, the verdicts were almost unanimous: Liverpool for the title, Darwin Nunez will score more than Erling Haaland and Pep Guardiola's spell is broken. That all aged well, didn't it?
So when hysteria gives way to the cold light of day, let's put Arsenal's success into some perspective.Yes, the Gunners squad runs deeper than last season – as well it must if they are to cope with the demands of Champions League football on top of the domestic treadmill.
Chelsea complete record-breaking Enzo Fernandez transfer after deadline day rush
Yes, Declan Rice will add running power, passing range, interceptions and leadership to Mikel Arteta's midfield. Yes, Jurrien Timber looks a steal at £34 million after his impressive debut at left-back.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Did Arsenal really lay down a marker on Sunday? Comment below.
New Arsenal Signings Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber lift the Community Shield silverware (James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)And yes, Ramsdale will have to keep playing out of his skin to keep the No.1 jersey if David Raya, closing in on a £30m switch from Brentford, joins the Emirates payroll. But the crowing Arsenal fans on social media who claim Rice has already won more trophies in one game than Harry Kane has managed in 435 appearances for Tottenham need to get real.
He's actually won two trophies in two games – including his triumphant farewell to West Ham in the Europa Conference League final. In truth, however, the Community Shield is no more a 'trophy' than winning a tin of biscuits in the village fete tombola.
Of course it's much nicer to win at Wembley than to lose, but it's nicer to win anywhere. If clubs are so keen to export the Premier League 'brand' (pass the bucket, I want to vomit), the Community Shield should be played abroad in one of the far-flung, exotic locations where they are so happy to play prestige pre-season friendlies.
Are Arsenal fans getting carried away already? (Elli Birch/IPS/REX/Shutterstock)But back to Arsenal: How significant was their penalty shoot-out win against City? Sorry to be a grinch, but it wasn't. Arsenal got off to a flyer last season because the fixture computer was kind and they cashed in with maximum points against Crystal Palace, Leicester, Bournemouth, Fulham and Aston Villa – none of whom finished in the top seven.
If they can yield a similar harvest from the first five this time – Nottingham Forest, Palace, Fulham, Manchester United and Everton – then there is scope for optimism again. Mikel Arteta's side spent 248 days at the top last season but in every league, from Hackney Marshes to the Premier League, it's about where you finish.
And the biggest fear for every supporter must be that their best chance of a first title since the Invincibles of 2004 may have slipped through their fingers like sand last April.
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
