Home Premier League Arsenal BREAKING: Arsenal retain Community Shield

BREAKING: Arsenal retain Community Shield

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Gunners see off Premier League champions thanks to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain goal

Arsenal have retained the Community Shield after beating Chelsea 1-0 at Wembley this afternoon.

The FA Cup Winners were victorious in this fixture last season when they beat Premier League champions Manchester City 3-0, and history repeated itself this afternoon when an Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain goal gave The Gunners the victory.

Match Summary

The England international scored a brilliant goal in the first-half after cutting inside Cesar Azpilicueta and curling home past Thibaut Courtois.

Chances were few and far between in the game, but Ramires could have and probably should have when he was unmarked six-yards out.

However, he headered over Petr Cech‘s bar, who was playing his first official competitive game for his new club.

Eden Hazard then had a glorious chance to equalise for the Premier League champions when he was put through one-on-one, but he blasted the ball miles over the bar.

Santi Cazorla and Kieran Gibbs both had great chances to wrap the game up, but they were both denied by Courtois.

However, The Ox‘s goal was enough for Arsenal to retain the Community Shield this afternoon.

Match Reaction

Arsenal goalscorer, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: “It’s really nice to come to Wembley and win. We wanted to keep our good streak here going.

“We are delighted to win another trophy and for me personally, I’m happy I got the winner. I don’t actually think I’ve lost at Wembley.  Long may it continue.

“Today was a big game for us and we wanted to lay down a marker for our manager and our fans. I want to contribute more goals this season, it’s a target I’ve set for myself, and of course I’m happy to have got the goal today.”

Arsenal boss, Arsene Wenger: “We have suffered physically today and the pitch was not great. But overall it’s good because in pre-season we have been solid defensively.

“Pre-season has gone quite well. We have no big injuries at the moment apart from Jack Wilshere who we lost yesterday.”

Per Mertesacker: “It’s a start and it keeps our confidence high.

“Petr Cech has so much experience and gives us a huge boost before the start of the season. We try our best and when Alexis Sanchez is back we have a good squad.”

Chelsea manager, Jose Mourinho: “We were the best team. We had more initiative, we controlled the game by having ball possession. But when a team is behind, the energy and intensity to turn results around is more difficult because people are not sharp.

“Arsenal defended with 10 players, they put everybody in front of their own line and they had good organisation, congratulations to them. They had a couple of chances in counter attacks but we had ours in organised football.

“They played their game tactically and found themselves one goal in front without any reason, included players in the back and they did well. This season the Premier League title is very difficult but it is very difficult for everyone.

“The way other teams are spending they have big power in the hands while we are the same as last season. And with that we are going to try.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt

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