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Arsenal 1-1 Liverpool (Arsenal win 5-4 on penalties): Aubameyang seals Community Shield win
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored the winning penalty on penalties as Arsenal beat Liverpool to win the Community Shield.
Arsenal won their second trophy in August when FA Cup winners beat Premier League champion Liverpool 5-4 on penalties after drawing 1-1 at the Community Shield.
Just 28 days after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang struck twice to sink Chelsea 2-1 at Wembley, the Gunners triumphed in the opening act of the new season in North London.
Mikel Arteta’s side were forced to do it the hard way, as Takumi Minamino’s first goal for Liverpool disallowed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s first goal in the 12th minute.
However, Rhian Brewster, who has enjoyed a good preseason with Liverpool, missed his penalty shot, setting the stage for Aubameyang to close out another win at Wembley for the Gunners.
5 – Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is now Arsenal’s top scorer in matches played at Wembley Stadium (5, level with Alexis Sánchez). Aubameyang’s five goals on the field have come in the space of 42 days. Crucial. #ARSLIV pic.twitter.com/cvWCL1FidE
– OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 29, 2020
Virgil van Dijk, with a cut on his forehead in the preseason clash with Salzburg last time, had the ball in the net after seven minutes, but the flag was offside.
James Milner should have done better with a close-range header shortly after, and Liverpool quickly made pay.
After beating the Liverpool press, Arsenal moved down the right before Bukayo Saka removed Aubameyang with a magnificent cross pass.
It left Neco Williams isolated against Aubameyang, who stepped inside and achieved a sublime finish of 20 yards past Alisson.
Roberto Firmino sent a wicked punch right after the restart, with Emiliano Martínez stepping out of his line to reject Sadio Mane.
Naby Keita and Minamino were introduced as Liverpool were looking to take the lead, and the changes soon paid off.
After attempting to play a tight double with Mohamed Salah, Minamino was available to fit in after the rebound fell his way – VAR allowed the goal to hold after a handball check.
Martinez made another superb save from Mane moments later, while Joe Willock came in with a header at the other end as penalties were required.
However, it was Arsenal who triumphed: Brewster, who took a penalty, hitting the crossbar with his effort, and Aubameyang coldly sent Alisson down the wrong path to condemn Liverpool to defeat.
9 – Arsenal have won nine of their last 11 penalty kicks in all competitions, having won just four of their last 10. Nerves. #ARSLIV pic.twitter.com/osHANVKHS4
– OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 29, 2020
What does that mean? Arsenal pick up where they left off as Liverpool look to improve
Arteta now has two trophies under his belt as a coach, and Arsenal appear to be going from strength to strength under his leadership.
Jurgen Klopp’s team were far from being at their best fluency level, but the Liverpool manager will make sure to have his team fully operational by the time the Premier League season rolls around.
Wembley Wonderland for Aubameyang
With his excellent first game, Aubameyang, who has yet to sign a new contract with the Gunners, raised his goal count at the national stadium to five, making him Arsenal’s top scorer, alongside Alexis Sánchez, at Wembley. All these goals have come in the space of 42 days. To cap off another brilliant afternoon, the striker maintained his composure to pocket the winning penalty.
Hard cameo for Brewster
The young Liverpool forward has been in good shape in the preseason after an excellent 2019-20 second half with Swansea City, but Brewster’s decision to go for power and height with his penalty ultimately cost the Reds in Wembley.
Whats Next?
Both sides will lose players for the next international break, before their respective Premier League campaigns start on September 12. Arsenal will face Fulham, while Liverpool will host Leeds United.
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