Post Match Analysis
Community Shield 2023 – Arsenal vs Man City
Final Score – 1-1 (Arsenal win on Penalties 4-1)
Mikel Arteta and his Gunners claim the 2nd Charity Shield of his tenure at the Emirates, in a scintalising game at Wembley.
The match had it all, tough tackles, wonder goals, late drama and a penalty shootout. A friendly this was not!
With a shaky start in the first half Man City dominated possession. Yet it was fruitless as in that time the strongest chances went to Arsenal and in particular Kai Havertz. The first half ended with a shocking xG to Possession stat Arsenal xG 0.80 (30% possession) Man City xG 0.06 (70& Possession)*.
Despite this Arsenal were resolute in their formation and their tactics, to withstand the pressure and slowly turn around the momentum of the game. Full credit has to go to the manager and the team for executing clearly a well drilled plan.
The standout performances on the day from new boy Jurrien Timber whose presence on the left flank was present in both attack and defence. A star in the making is clear here with his versatility, signed as a Right Back, but playing Left Wing Back, Left Centre Mid, and even spotted at Left Wing.
The impact he had was highlighted in his substitution in 76th minute substitution for Kieran Tierney. Who, whilst loved by fans, clearly showed a void in quality. As it was immediately his error leading to City scoring a wonder goal through Palmer. The linkup play on the left was lacking until the introduction of Trossard & Smith Rowe in a 343 Diamond formation when Arteta went all out. Again demonstrating a lack of quality from Tierney in comparison to his new colleagues.
Trossard will get the plaudits for his never say die attitude to football. It is certainly earned; he has certainly made a case for starting in the false nine role whilst Jesus is injured. Upon coming on he injects pace and a directness that certainly caught out the Man City defence. Add the silky flicks on the left wing in his combination play with Smith Rowe and you can certainly see why he is quickly becoming a fan favourite.
Finally, the man who is showing signs that this may be a coming of age season for him, either as a super sub or playing in the cup competitions is Fabio Vieira! Whilst his time on the pitch was limited, but we are really seeing him develop into the type of premier that can thrive in the league. His first season fans and analysts could see his skill was there, but the meek frame and lack of physical power meant he was bullied. However, from the start of the pre-season to the game on Sunday, he is showing for the ball. Vieira is actively getting stuck into challenges and stepping up for his team, as showed with his winning penalty. The boy is certainly growing into his own, and with the guidance of Mikel he can shine this season.
This game sets the tone for Arsenal and puts the rest of the Premier League (and Manchester city) on notice. They are here to contend with the best of them and will take no quarter. The tenacity and determination on show is something every fan can be proud of.
My POTM – Jurrien Timber
Written by Reekesh Somaroo
06/08/2023
*Stats provided by Opta & FotMob
** Team sheet created via buildlineup.com
