FA Cup champions of 2013/14 season, Arsenal kicked-off their pre-season campaign in style as they beat the EPL champions, Manchester City 3-0 at the Wembley stadium.
FA Cup champions of 2013/14 season, Arsenal kicked-off their pre-season campaign in style as they beat the EPL champions, Manchester City 3-0 at the Wembley stadium and won the Community Shield for the 13th time.
Arsenal scorers, Santi Cazorla and Aaron Ramsey, who were scorers in the FA Cup triumph in May, bagged the crucial goals against City.
City on the other hand was without their major starters as Vincent Kompany and Sergio Aguero still recuperating from match fitness. At 2-0, City did have a sniff at the game but French forward, Olivier Giroud added a third with a dipping strike to send the Gunners fans in raptures. Winning the Community Shield might set the tone for the opening season, but is likely to be forgotten quickly. City is yet to have their stars back and Arsenal missed their World Cup winning trio.
Manchester City manager Manuel Pelligrini did not hand a start for Englishman Joe Hart with new signing Willy Caballero coming into the posts. On the other hand, opponents Arsenal gave start to the likes of Jack Wilshere, Kieran Gibbs and new signing Calum Chambers who was assured in defense.
Arsenal fans will be excited with their $60 million-forward Alexis Sanchez who made his full debut and was in control throughout against a City side that provided little threat.
Arsenal open their Premier League campaign against Crystal Palace on Saturday, looking to win the title for the first time in 11 years whereas Manchester City play Newcastle United in what promises to be a power packed EPL this year. The Citizens though will face their biggest challenge yet as they take on last year’s title rivals Liverpool on August 25. It remains to be seen how City take on the mantle of champions with the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal and even Manchester United strengthening this summer.
On the Arsenal front, the arrival of Alexis could prove a ‘match winning’ signing as Arsene Wenger bids to end the EPL trophy drought. Their former skipper and defender Thomas Vermalean made a move to Barcelona but Gunners could enter the transfer market for another key player.
Also not to forget, the likes of Mesut Ozil, Lukas Podolski and Per Mertesacker are yet take part in Arsenal’s training. Gunners’ fans are for exciting times ahead with big players arriving at the Emirates which was a rare few seasons back.
