Man City played against Arsenal in the Community Shield last season but despite taking a second-half lead ended up losing on penalties
By Kehinde Okeowo
City rivals, Manchester City and Manchester United will be keen on laying down a marker when they face each other in this year’s Community Shield on Saturday at the Wembley Stadium.
The eagerly anticipated encounter will herald the beginning of a new English Premier League (EPL) season, as it is widely regarded as the traditional curtain raiser for a new campaign.
The winner of the match, which will kick-off 3pm Nigerian time, will not only start off the season with a piece of silverware, they would also earn early bragging rights.
Man City played this same fixture against Arsenal last year. However, despite taking a second-half lead through Cole Palmer, they conceded a late Leandro Trossard goal and eventually lost on penalties.
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Pep Guardiola’s men ended last season with their fourth consecutive title and are looking to extend that record with a fifth this season.
However, the EPL champions have not looked convincing in preseason, with the Red Devils more ahead in the preparations.
Previewing the clash, Ope Adebari, a Sports Analyst, told DAILY POST, “Manchester United started their preseason earlier and have played more pre-season games (5) compared to Manchester City (4) who had more key players absent from their pre-season games due to their involvements in Euro 2024 and Copa America.”
Meanwhile, the final fixture in the English football calendar last season saw United shock City in the FA Cup final.
Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo gave Erik ten Hag’s men a shock two-goal lead, before Jeremy Doku pulled one back, for a goal that was mere consolation.
While Man City will be aiming to avoid another loss in this season’s Community Shield and a repeat of the FA Cup defeat to Man United, The Red Devils will be hoping to start the season brighter than they ended it last season by beating the Citizens.