Arsenal vs Liverpool Community Shield clash saw Mikel Arteta’s men win their second title within weeks – The Gunners beat Reds 5-4 on penalties after playing 1-1 in regulation period.
Arsenal collected the first silverware of the new Premier League season, winning 5-4 on penalties against Liverpool, following a 1-1 draw at Wembley.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang played a decisive role in Arsenal’s Community Shield win over Liverpool scoring first for the North Londoners – But an equaliser from Minamino helped the Merseysiders stretch the game into penalties.
The champions were the first to threaten and they thought they had taken an early lead when Virgil van Dijk prodded home Andrew Robertson’s curling free-kick, but the Dutch centre-half had strayed marginally off-side.
Arsenal capitalised on that reprieve with Aubameyang firing the North Londoners in front with a long-ranger stunning shot in the 12th minute of the fixture.
The 31-year-old dribbled past Neco Williams before curling the ball into the right corner of the post with youngster Bukayo Saka claiming the assist for the goal.
Liverpool already had two weeks of pre-season training under their belts, compared to Arsenal’s one, and their superior fitness levels began to tell in the second period. Minamino makes it 1-1! His first goal for Liverpool.
Minamino equalising for the Reds in the 73rd minute And that gave room for the Gunners to gain confidence and they took advantage of their long-range opportunity.
Neither side were able to find a winner, however, but it was Arteta’s improving team who kept their cool in the shootout. Rhian Brewster was the only man among 10 players to miss from 12 yards, clipping the top of the crossbar providing Aubameyang with the chance to clinch a second trophy in the space of a month for Arteta.
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