Arsenal Community Shield victory at Wembley will have the same impact on the Premier League title race as a mid-term by-election in Britain. After eight successive league and cup defeats against Manchester City, Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale stated a “mental block” had been lifted, and he was entitled to his euphoria.
Only Ramsdale’s quick saves kept Arsenal from going to a shootout. Furthermore, Leandro Trossard’s equalizer arrived so late under the absurd new timekeeping regulations that it almost arrived on Monday morning According to Fhmtk
Twelve months ago, when City lost the Community Shield against Liverpool at the King Power, the verdicts were almost unanimous: Liverpool for the title, Darwin Nunez will score more than Erling Haaland and Pep Guardiola’s spell is broken. That all aged well, didn’t it?
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So when hysteria gives way to the cold light of day, let’s put Arsenal’s success into some perspective.Yes, the Gunners squad runs deeper than last season – as well it must if they are to cope with the demands of Champions League football on top of the domestic treadmill.
Yes, Declan Rice will add running power, passing range, interceptions and leadership to Mikel Arteta’s midfield. Yes, Jurrien Timber looks a steal at £34 million after his impressive debut at left-back.
And yes, Ramsdale will have to keep playing out of his skin to keep the No.1 jersey if David Raya, closing in on a £30m switch from Brentford, joins the Emirates payroll. But the crowing Arsenal fans on social media who claim Rice has already won more trophies in one game than Harry Kane has managed in 435 appearances for Tottenham need to get real.
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