Arsenal kickstarted their 2020/21 campaign on a positive fashion, clinching the Community Shield with a win over Liverpool. The game finished 1-1 at full time, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Takumi Minamino getting on to the scoresheet. But, Rhian Brewster’s miss in the penalty shootout secured the victory for the Gunners.
Arsenal Player Ratings Vs Liverpool In Community Shield
Emiliano Martinez 7/10
Emiliano Martinez continues his excellent run of form with yet another great shift in between the sticks. Although the Argentine couldn’t make any saves in the penalty shootout, he did deny Sadio Mane a few times and looked confident in defending his line.
Rob Holding 7.5/10
Rob Holding did fairly well in sticking to his task. He defended deep and used his physical and aerial prowess to good effect, preventing the Liverpool players from finding space inside the box.
David Luiz 7.5/10
David Luiz led the Arsenal defence and a few nervy moments were a minor blip in an otherwise decent defensive display. His contributions were, in fact, critical in stopping Mohamed Salah.
Kieran Tierney 8/10
Kieran Tierney was excellent in the first half, making darting runs into the final third while also teaming up with Luiz and Holding in the three-man backline, during the defensive phases. Struggled with his fitness late in the second half and was subbed off.
Hector Bellerin 7.5/10
Hector Bellerin had a bright game. The Spaniard looked responsible and looked much more comfortable in the right wingback role where he was backed up by Rob Holding. He was taken off in the second half, though.
Mohamed Elneny 7/10
Mohamed Elneny deserves credit for putting in a great shift in central midfield. He worked hard to create turnovers, especially during the first half and might earn himself a prolonged stay at Emirates if he continues to impress.
Granit Xhaka 7.5/10
Granit Xhaka was one of the best players for Arsenal in the first-half, recovering multiple balls in midfield and providing the spark in the second line of press. The Swiss international was also precise with his passing and led by examples.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles 9/10
Ainsley Maitland-Niles was by far Arsenal’s best performer this evening, making countless runs into the left-hand channel. His runs into the byline caused havoc in the Liverpool defence and the birthday boy capped off his display with a calm and composed penalty.
Bukayo Saka 7/10
Bukayo Saka started the game sharply, always presenting himself as an outlet on the counter. He also provided the assist for Aubameyang’s opener and created a few more opportunities in the final third. His impact did fade late on in the game.
Eddie Nketiah 6/10
Eddie Nketiah’s pace was always going to be problematic for Liverpool. However, the youngster did look clumsy, at times, especially in the late stages of the game. He must improve his performances.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang 8.5/10
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s exquisite finish led to the all-important opener for Arsenal. The Gabonese International worked hard as well, often tracking back to help out his defence and scored the penalty that helped the Gunners clinch the Community Shield, in the shootout.
SUBSTITUTES
Cedric Soares 6/10
Replaced Bellerin around the hour mark but unfortunately, the Portuguese international was involved in the Liverpool equaliser as the ball bounced straight off his chest to find the feet of Minamino. Converted his penalty, though.
Joe Willock N/A
Replaced Saka to add some and energy spark in the attack.
Reiss Nelson N/A
The in-form Reiss Nelson replaced Nketiah in the 82nd minute. Didn’t do much aside from scoring in the shootout.
Sead Kolasinac N/A
Replaced Tierney, who was struggling in what was presumably a knock.
