3 Positives & Negatives from Arsenal's Community Shield win

3 positives & negatives from Arsenal’s Community Shield win over Man City

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 06: William Saliba of Arsenal and teammates celebrate after Fabio Vieira of Arsenal scores the team's fourth penalty in the penalty shoot out to win The FA Community Shield match between Manchester City against Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on August 06, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /

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Jurrien Timber impressed at Wembley. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images) /

Positive #2: Timber a quality acquisition

The more I watch Jurrien Timber, the more I sit back in my chair and exhale with comfort. What a player he is going to be for the club going forward.

Against a City side that can cut you to ribbons from anywhere on the pitch, Timber was defensively sound, and after he was subbed, Arsenal conceded down his flank. Coincidence?

His technical ability and willingness to attack, coupled with his sound defensive skills, make him almost the perfect player to have at Arteta’s disposal. There’s no such thing as perfect, but my word, Timber is off to a hot start as a Gunner.

Negative #2: Martinelli

For once, Gabriel Martinelli was off the boil. Against City, the Brazilian was unusually quiet and off the pace, which isn’t ideal.

Martinelli’s balls in the final third and his set-piece delivery weren’t at the level we have become accustomed to in what was a poor outing.

While he has enough credits in the bank, it wouldn’t want to linger much longer, and as he has already shown his abilities during the pre-season, perhaps we give him a mulligan for his performance.

Continued on the next slide…

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