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Arsenal 1-1 (4-1p) Man City: Player ratings from Community Shield victory

By James Cormack

Arsenal's French defender William Saliba (C) defends as Manchester City's Croatian midfielder Mateo Kovacic (2R) runs in on goal during the English FA Community Shield football match between Arsenal and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium, in London, August 6, 2023. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / NOT FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING USE / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal's French defender William Saliba (C) defends as Manchester City's Croatian midfielder Mateo Kovacic (2R) runs in on goal during the English FA Community Shield football match between Arsenal and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium, in London, August 6, 2023. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / NOT FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING USE / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Arsenal claimed victory on penalties in Sunday’s Community Shield after Leandro Trossard struck late on to draw the Gunners level. 

The Gunners barely got a kick in the opening 30 minutes as City made full use of their overload in the build-up, but it was Mikel Arteta’s side, who grew into the contest considerably after the hour-hour mark, that spurned the two best chances of the first half. Kai Havertz was twice denied by Stefan Ortega.

A rather sterile first half evolved into an exciting back-and-forth contest after the break as both teams enjoyed periods of superiority. However, it was last season’s treble winners who landed the opening blow as substitute Cole Palmer curled home superbly with 15 minutes remaining.

That looked like it’d be the winner, but the Gunners struck right at the death through Trossard, whose deflected effort bypassed Ortega deep into stoppage time. The Belgian’s strike took the contest straight to penalties, and Arsenal prevailed after Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri missed their spot kicks.

Arsenal 1-1 (4-1p) Man City Community Shield player ratings

Here are the Arsenal player ratings from Wembley.

Arsenal contained Erling Haaland on Sunday. (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images)
Arsenal contained Erling Haaland on Sunday. (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images) /

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Aaron Ramsdale (GK) – 7/10 – A solid outing for Ramsdale, who wasn’t tested until late on in the contest. The Englishman saved well from Rodri and Julian Alvarez.

Ben White (RB) – 6/10 – Handled both Jack Grealish and Phil Foden pretty well, and created Havertz’s first good chance of the opening period.

William Saliba (CB) – 8/10 – Erling Haaland off after 60 minutes having accumulated 0.00 xG? Yep, this was Saliba’s day.

Gabriel (CB) – 8/10 – Worked in harmony with Saliba to ensure Haaland was quiet. Stepped out of the backline to make a couple of notable interventions as well.

Jurrien Timber (LB) – 8/10 – The Dutchman had a tricky assignment in the form of Bernardo Silva, but the new arrival quickly settled into the contest after a tough start. Defended superbly throughout.

Continued on the next slide…