English midfielder Declan Rice has stated that winning trophies is one of the reasons he joined Arsenal after the Gunners secured the Community Shield on penalties after a 1-1 draw against Manchester City on Sunday.

The Gunners held the treble winners from last season to a half-time draw, but the Premier League champions side took the lead in the second half thanks to substitute Cole Palmer with an outstanding curler from outside the box.

The blue half of Manchester were heading for an obvious Community Shield win until Arsenal forward Leandro Trossard got a slice of luck as his shot was deflected past Manchester City’s second-choice goalkeeper Stefan Ortega.

Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale then stood up to the task for the penalty shootout by saving two penalty kicks as Arsenal won 4-1 on penalties.

“I am buzzing; this is what I visioned when I joined. City gave us what we expected, but I am buzzing – so happy. You have to have patience against them; you have to have mini-games within the game against them, like the manager said to us before. To win today, my first for the club. I feel I’ve grown a lot in the last three weeks. There’s a lot of information to take in of what the manager wants. I’m eager to learn and keep improving. I’m sure we can achieve anything this season – we just need to remain focused.” Rice said.

It is the third time in seven years that Arsenal will win the Community Shield as they anticipate their first Premier League game of the 2023/2024 season at home to Nottingham Forest.

The result kicks off another season of rivalry between Arsenal and Manchester City after Manchester City leapfrogged Arsenal to win the Premier League title last time out. Manchester City, on their part, will play Burnley on August 11 in the Premier League opening game.

Daniel Ademiju Idowu