09:19
Manuel Pellegrini's Premier League champions had no answer at Wembley
Joe Hart was left on the bench for City and Jack Wilshere impressed
Aaron Ramsey started and finished the move for Arsenal's second
If he's not careful, Arsene Wenger may get used to this. Two competitive games at the home of football on the trot and two wins; two trophies in two games.
Manchester City had absolutely no answer to the free-flowing verve served up by an imperious Arsenal who were intent on stamping down a marker ahead of the Premier League's resumption next week.
If he's not careful, Arsene Wenger may get used to this. Two competitive games at the home of football on the trot and two wins; two trophies in two games.
Goals from Santi Cazorla, Aaron Ramsey and Olivier Giroud were enough to indicate that they have come back rejuvenated and perhaps ready to launch a more sustained tilt at the title.
It was the second that impressed the most. Ramsey, talismanic from midfield last year before injury, started the move just outside his own box before surging forward into the box relatively untracked, deftly flicking in slow motion before half-volleying beyond a hapless Willy Caballero.
That's the way to kick the season off! Santi Cazorla leaps in the air after scoring in the Community Shield
Eyes on the prize: Welshman Aaron Ramsey smashed in the second goal just before half-time
Joe Hart won't be losing any sleep, but this was a day to rejoice in an Arsenal who have recruited well and were at their vibrant best.
Jack Wilshere fluttered in midfield, with Cazorla's finish for the opening goal a composed drive - even if Yaya Sanogo may have been adjudged to have interfered with play in an offside position.
Alexis Sanchez offers the side a new dimension while Sanogo, still languid and a touch clumsy, is raw but ready to play a role.
As for Giroud, his belting effort on the hour-mark just goes to show that the arrival of the star Chilean may just yield more from last season's targetman.
Although the Community Shield matters little - in the grand scheme of things at least - this toppling of the champions, and the ease in which it was completed, sends a message as to the Gunners' intentions.
After all, you can't tire of winning trophies - even if this one is a garish silver shield nobody is particularly interested in.
Crisp finish: Cazorla drove into the bottom right-hand corner with his left foot to open the scoring
Skipping in: Goalkeeper Willy Caballero could do nothing about the effort as it bobbled beyond him
Happy man: Cazorla wheeled away in celebration after finding the net in the 21st minute
All smiles: Calum Chambers goes over to congratulate the playmaker after he found the net
Linking up so soon: Cazorla gets a hug from Sanchez after opening the scoring in the capital
Off to a flyer: Ramsey was already on his way to celebrate as the ball hit the back of the net
All too easy: Arsenal were roared forward by Ramsey from midfield and raced into a 2-0 half-time lead
Here to stay: Olivier Giroud points to the Arsenal badge after thundering home the third from difference
Over him in a flash! Willy Caballero could do nothing about Giroud's stinging effort from distance
Have that: Giroud took one touch before unleashing an unstoppable shot on Caballero's goal
Hugging the little man: Cazorla is embraced by Giroud after the Frenchman's 60th minute goal
Having a gaze: Caballero flung himself at the strike but ended up being nowhere near it
Taking the rip: Arsenal fans performed the Poznan after the third - a Man City celebration
Leaving a foot in: A determined-looking Alexis Sanchez takes the ball beyond Matija Nastasic
Sliding in: Aaron Ramsey brings down Gael Clichy in the opening stages at Wembley
Under his spell: Sanchez displayed superb close touch control throughout his first game in an Arsenal shirt
Give it back! Cazorla pleads for the ball from his manager Arsene Wenger after it rolled out of play
Having a nibble: Jesus Navas tries to nick possession off Jack Wilshere in midfield
Watching brief: The respective managers - Wenger (left) and Manuel Pellegrini - stand on the touchline
It's magic: Michael Oliver marks out a 10-yard wall with the vanishing spray made famous at the World Cup
Try getting this back! Yaya Toure holds off the challenge of Wilshere with consummate ease
Battle: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain tries to win the ball off Man City substitute James Milner
Shrugging off: Jesus Navas and Keiran Gibbs vie for possession in the second half
Best wishes: The FA chairman Greg Dyke shakes the hand of Yaya Toure during the pre-match pleasantries
Remaining square: Cazorla puts pressure on Clichy as the City defender lays off to a team mate
Up and under: Ramsey clears his lines despite the attention of Clichy close by
Tracking back: Yaya Sanogo hunts down City full back Aleksandar Kolarov
Little bit damp! Man City supporters remained in high spirits despite the torrential rain in north London
Strong: Ramsey clatters into Stevan Jovetic in order to win the ball for the Gunners
Now you see, now you don't! Sanogo powers beyond central defender Nastasic
Down the line: Mathieu Debuchy is thwarted by Kolarov as the debutant tried to deliver a cross
Meeting of minds: Sanogo has his shirt pulled by defender Dedryck Boyata
They're here, they're there: Wembley had plenty of empty seats in its top tier despite favourable pricing
Over he goes: Jovetic is felled by Mikel Arteta as he breaks free of the sitting midfielder
Tussle: Nastasic and Fernando make sure there's no way Sanogo is holding the ball up
Around the back: Edin Dzeko gets beyond Chambers but can't find a way past Wojciech Szczesny
awesome game ... well deserved win for arsenal
ReplyDeletealexis and debuchy's first game for arsenal and they got a trophy .......i think that should be a record or something :) some players have been in that team for years and nothing was achieved
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