Four Arsenal players shine in Man City triumph as Mikel Arteta finds new starter

Aaron Ramsdale and Leandro Trossard were the heroes as Arsenal beat Manchester City 4-1 on penalties to win the Community Shield. Cole Palmer struck a stunning opener for Pep Guardiola’s side before another substitute Trossard had the final say in normal time when his deflected effort flew in off Manuel Akanji.

Kevin De Bruyne rattled the crossbar from 12 yards before Rodri’s penalty was saved by Ramsdale providing Fabio Vieira with the chance to etch Arsenal’s name onto the trophy. He duly did. Here’s how the Gunners rated at Wembley.

Aaron Ramsdale – 8

The hero after saving Rodri’s penalty following two fine stops in the second half.

Hairy moment after 30 minutes when he was pressed on the goal line, managed to kick the ball clear.

Huge second-half save to deny England team-mate Phil Foden from making it 2-0 and then kept out Rodri with another top stop at the near post.

Ben White – 7

Great burst into the box and pass for Kai Havertz for a great chance in the first half and also put in a brilliant low cross in the second half.

Operated smartly and great usage of the ball. Did make a small mistake in the second half that was nearly punished by Foden.

William Saliba – 8

Superb. Strong, composed and dominant. Arsenal have a monstrous defender on their hands and his passing through the lines was also a standout feature.

Gabriel Magalhaes – 7

Very hands-on in battle with Erling Haaland as we saw during the 3-1 defeat to Man City at the Emirates Stadium in February. Strong and gave the Norwegian a tough afternoon. Was involved in some petulance with Stefan Ortega.

Jurrien Timber – 8

Impressive. Not short of confidence and offers so much energy both defensively and offensively. Made a fine block to stop Cole Palmer’s goal-bound strike. Now looks a guaranteed starter if Oleksandr Zinchenko isn’t fit.

Thomas Partey – 7

Booked early doors for kicking the ball away. Played in spells, passing was sometimes short and inaccurate. Lost discipline in one five-minute spell but was so determined. Didn’t stop running.

Declan Rice – 7

Work to be done from the £105m club-record signing. Ballooned one shot over the bar but did show great ball retention. A performance that can be used to build on.

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Martin Odegaard – 7

Was mesmerising during one five-minute spell in the first half when he was orchestrating, leading the press and manipulating the ball with such class. Did suffer a knock in the second half. Scored his penalty. Leader.

Bukayo Saka – 6

Not his best afternoon but still bright in small spells. Looked like he was lacking a little bit of confidence when it came to the big moments in the final third. Did scored his penalty which will feel good following his recent miss.

Gabriel Martinelli – 6

Great speed as always and really stretched Manchester City but wasn’t very effective when he tried to make things happen. Also took two really poor corners that disappointed Mikel Arteta.

Kai Havertz – 6

Bright but finishing was poor. Had two glorious chances in the first half that had to go in. Both were virtually straight at the goalkeeper. Hold-up play was very good.

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Leandro Trossard – 8

Brilliant impact against from the Belgian who is one of Arsenal’s most under-appreciated players. Levelled things in the dying embers and scored his penalty.

Kieran Tierney – 3

Really poor. Struggled for the goal and kicked the ball out of play unchallenged which did not please his manager.

Fabio Vieira – 7

Scored the winning spot-kick.

Eddie Nketiah – 6

Held the ball up well and was lively during a short cameo.

Emile Smith-Rowe – N/A

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