Once again, Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang. Once again, at Wembley. One goal during the game and one more, the final one, in the last penalty of the shoot-out. Arsenal won the Community Shield at Wembley thanks to the good work of their Gabonese striker, a true star of Mikel Arteta’s project, who adds his second title on the bench after the FA Cup achieved less than a month ago against Chelsea.
Aubameyang’s love affair with Wembley remains clear. The Gabonese forward scored goals in the semi-final (Manchester City) and the FA Cup final (Chelsea), which gave the ‘Gunners’ the title. Not happy with that, his was also the goal that opened the scoring against Liverpool. He received a ball on the left wing and gradually centered his position until he found the shot. The ball went straight to the far post, away from Alisson, to make it 1-0.
Mikel Arteta confirmed before the final that the renewal of Aubameyang is very close – according to what has been published it would be for three years, since the contract is currently ending in 2021 – but there is still nothing signed and every Arsenal fan dreams of the renewal of one of the best attackers in Europe. It is not for less.
In the Basque lineup, two points of interest. In the first place, the presence of several footballers who aim to leave the club, such as Holding or Maitland-Niles. On the other hand, the absence of footballers who will be important during this season like Willian – injured – or Pepé, quarantined and unavailable. The one who was not, and who is not expected, is Lacazette. The French striker has one foot out.
Despite the fact that Liverpool had the odd threat during the first half, and even went ahead on the scoreboard with a goal that was canceled by Van Dijk, Jürgen Klopp’s men had to row.
First it was a Mané chance and then Minamino appeared with his first goal from his signing in the winter market. Salah wandered around the edge of the area until he decided to cut short, found the Japanese after several rebounds and he defined without problems. Although Minamino had not had continuity or good feelings since his signing from RB Salzburg, he appeared at a key moment. It was the tie with a quarter of an hour to go. A little later, Emiliano Martínez saved a very clear new opportunity for Mané.
On penalties, the only failure came from Rhian Brewster, the striker Klopp pulled out in discount for him to shoot one.
Image: AFP
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