Kevin de Bruyne and Rodri missed spot-kicks in the shootout against Arsenal in their Community Shield game against Manchester City handing the Gunners the trophy that is considered to set the tone of the upcoming football season. After Cole Palmer's stunning goal, the Gunners battled back through Leandro Trossard's last-gasp equalizer that forced the game into extra time.  The Gunners led the Premier League for 248 days last season - no side has spent as long at the summit of the English top flight and failed to win it - but as Mikel Arteta's side capitulated, City charged to stage a successful defense of the title. Arsenal also appeared to have no answer for City throughout the last season as they faced them thrice and lost to them on all three occasions by an aggregate of 8-2. 

To finally get one over City was critical for Arsenal no matter the competition.  It is a credit to Arteta who has worked hard to ensure that his side were not mentally beaten by Guardiola's men before they even take up the pitch. "It's a statement," Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale told ITV. "It's a marker to know we can go and beat Manchester City in a big game when it matters. "I'm not sure what it'll be like this season. But that mental block is gone. We're ready to push on now.," he added. The Gunners' boss Arteta too was encouraged by the results. "We showed again that we can compete against an incredible team, There will be so many problems and challenges ahead but we did very well." 

Fatigue and a lot of injuries in their camp worked against Arsenal last season as the two contributed to their title challenge falling away last season but they worked to address that challenge by spending big on the transfer market and they have had quite a spectacular number of credible sportsmen put pen to paper at the Emirates Stadium. England midfielder Declan Rice arrived from West Ham for £100m, while Germany international Kai Havertz joined from Chelsea in a £65m deal and Netherlands defender Jurrien Timber was recruited from Ajax for a fee that could rise to £38.5m.  The signings have played a big part in improving the core of Arsenal's side and even prior to their Community Shield game, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola had admitted that the Gunners' new signings had no doubt taken the team to another level of competitiveness. As was seen in yesterday's game, the arrival of the trio adds depth to the Arsenal squad that was lacking in the previous season. 

ALSO READ:
Messi scores another brace for Inter Miami

(Image: Evening Standard)