Every new season begins in English top football with an opportunity for one of the FA Cup winners or League winners to add a trophy to their cabinet within 90 minutes or 120 minutes of football. That Opportunity is tagged “The Community Shield”. FA Cup Champions Arsenal had the task of facing the Premier League winners, Manchester City at the Wembley Stadium, a week before the Premier League begins.
Without the German trio of Ozil, Podolski and Metersacker, Arsenal beat Manchester City 3-0 to lift the 2014 FA Community shield. Goals from Santi Cazorla and Aaron Ramsey in the 22nd and 43rd minutes respectively gave the Gunners a 2-0 lead going into the half-time break. Sanogo, fresh from his 4 goal exploit in the Emirates Cup, started ahead of Giroud. The young French was a handful for the Citizens and had a hand in both goals.
Arsene made some weird changes in the second half, bringing in Monreal for Koscienly, Giroud for Sanogo and Chamberlain for Sanchez. The change seemed to invite a lot of pressure from the blue half of Manchester but the defense held on. The best goal of the game was saved for the last, after Giroud collected a pass from country man Debuchy, held off his marker and sent a 25 yard curler beyond the City Goalie.
Thomas Rosicky, Flamini and Campbell had a piece of the game that saw Manchester outplayed properly. Seeing the Arsenal fans doing the Pozan was great. Watching the game with a host of other gooners was awesome (Enigma, DaViruz, OGB, John, Musty, Wilson, DaVic et Ure, Martyn, Simon et al).
3-0 and the gunners have now added another trophy to their cabinet with the last just 85 days ago. Some may argue that the Community shield is not a trophy but deep down they know better. Three goals and a clean sheet…..What else can you ask for? Ask For More….
Vermaelen Joins Barcelona
Before the Community Shield, Arsenal’s captain Vermaelen had to join Barcelona after seeing his chances limited in the Arsenal backline. The Belgium racked up 150 appearances scoring 15 goals. Do you still remember his debut goal against Everton? Unfortunately for him, Koscienly became a beast and Vermaelen had to get a certified Seat belt on Arsenal’s bench. TV5 left without any fuss, without any little boy telling him some cock and bull story. He left without any emotional drama or swipe at the hands that feed him. The reactions from the fans have been positive and we wish him well at Nou Camp.
Arteta Gets The Band
With Vermaelen joining Barcelona with his new number 23 jersey (what happened to Puyol’s 5), Arteta has been named Captain of Arsenal. Calm, cool and coordinated, Arteta is a team player and has held the backroom with his coordination. An intelligent player bought from Everton, Arteta is getting to the end of his career but he has given a lot to the gunners and surely does deserve to wear the captain handband.
Abou Diaby Returns Back
Abou Diaby seems to be cursed with injuries. The midfielder picked up a hip injury before the Community shield. Hope Wenger won’t renew his contract? it will be too fishy. Disappointing career for Abou.
UEFA Champions League Playoff
The gunners have been drawn to face Besiktas in the UCL palyoff before the group stage. The first leg will be in Turkey on the August 19 before a return leg a week later at the Emirates.
So the curtain is raised, the stage is set, let the season begin. Confidence is boosted, bring on Palace. Come on You Gunners.
Enjoy.
SoccerGunz 