ANOTHER TROPHY

Mikel Arteta seems to be doing all the right things at Arsenal, as the ex gunners midfielder makes it two trophies in two attempts for the red half of North London. Who would have thought the appointment of the Spaniard would reap rich rewards for Arsenal. After successfully claiming the FA cup a few weeks back by beating Chelsea 2-1 in the final, the gunners were back at Wembley to take on Premier League Champions Liverpool in the Community Shield.

Arteta has a lot of faith in his youngsters and they did not let him down. Maitland-Niles who was previously on the transfer list out of the Emirates put in a man of the match performance that probably saved his Arsenal Career. Aubameyang opened the scoring for Arsenal in the 12th minute of the game with a fantastic solo effort, bending the ball from approximately 20 yards past the Liverpool goal keeper Allison Becker (the tribute celebration to Chadwick Boseman was class!!).

Maitland-Niles was a constant threat for the gunners in midfield as was Nketiah and Saka who both had opportunities just off target respectively. The first half was off pace, however the second half provided more excitement and Liverpool chased the equaliser. Mane was denied by the outstanding Martinez. Liverpool are champions of the premier league for a reason and proved why they are champions when Klopp made some inspired substitutions which resulted in Minamino grabbing the equalising goal in the 73rd minute.

The game could have been won by either side with Arsenal looking the more likely to score as the match drew nearer to the 90th minute mark. With the scores even at 1-1, the game went straight to penalties. Arsenal won the shootout 5-4 with Aubameyang scored the winning penalty, capitalising on the miss by Brewster for Liverpool. He made a better job of lifting up the Community Shield after the shambles of the FA Cup hehehe!!!

Losing the community shield match is no reflection on how champions Liverpool will apply themselves in the coming season. They are one of the few teams in the League that have quality and strength in dept within a squad of players that are now used to winning the very top honours the beautiful game has to offer. Arsenal fans meanwhile, are typically doing what they do best (rolls eyes), Living in LA LA LAND. It’s only the community shield guys (delusional bunch) but enjoy it nevertheless.

TRANSFERS

I am sure you’ve all heard the rumour about Messi requesting to end his love affair with Barcelona. The question on everyone’s mind is where will the legend ply his trade once he leaves the nou camp. I’ve heard all sorts in the past week and couldn’t help but to chuckle when I heard West Ham were interested (DREAM ON!!!). As far as the premiership is concerned the likely hood is that Messi may become a Manchester City player in the coming weeks ahead. That would seem the more logical and obvious choice than a trip to the East End.

There have been some notable signings already as Chelsea look to bolster their squad by acquiring the services of Thiago Silva from PSG, Timo Werner, Ben Chilwell and Hakim Ziyech. Arsenal managed to get their hands on yet another ex Chelsea player by signing Willian. Tottenham have signed Hojbjerg and Matt Doherty. However it was the signing of Joe Hart from Burnley that had many raising their eyebrows (and I can’t say I blame them).

RIP CHADWICK (BLACK PANTHER) BOSEMAN!!! A BLESSING TO THIS GENERATION

WAKANDA FOREVER