Is Arsenal’s Community Shield win over Manchester City a sign of things to come?

It's rare the Community Shield has any impact on the forthcoming season in the Premier League, but was Arsenal's maiden trophy of the season a sign of things to come?

The match between the best teams in the country was a close battle, but Cole Palmer's wonder goal with ten minutes left looked to have won it for Manchester City.

Arsenal have struggled against the reigning Premier League champions and looked to have lost yet another trophy to 'The Citizens' before Leandro Trossard scored a last-gasp equalizer in injury time.

Arsenal was dominant in the penalty shootout at Wembley, with Fabio Viera scoring the game-sealing spot kick to win 4-1 after Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri missed their crucial chances from the spot.

Speaking to ITV after the game, Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale said: "It's a statement. It's a marker to know we can go and beat Manchester City in a big game when it matters."

With the heavy investment in players like Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, and Jurien Timber, and yesterday's massive victory, will Arsenal have a different season to last year?

It's no doubt Arsenal's new signings have had an impact and will continue to impact the team during the new season, with the inclusion of winners and Premier League experience.

Injuries and fatigue were a contributing factor to Arsenal's demise at the end of last season, losing the likes of starting striker Gabriel Jesus in the business end of the season.

Last season, Arsenal was unbeatable up until the final remaining couple of months, holding the top spot for 248 days. No team has spent that long at the top and not won the league.

Before last weekend's victory, Arsenal's record in recent times against Manchester City has been terrible, losing their previous nine matches and conceding eight goals in the last three before last weekend.

According to bbc.co.uk, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said: "We showed again that we can compete against an incredible team, there will be so many problems and challenges ahead, but we did very well."

For treble winners Manchester City, there is nothing to worry about after the defeat, losing the last three Community Shields and still going on to dominate the domestic landscape.

52-goal man Erling Haaland struggled to make an impact yesterday, taking 13 touches in the whole game and now going six competitive matches without a goal.

The game ultimately meant a lot more for Arsenal than for Manchester City, and there will be no doubts City will be at the top end of the table come May 2024.

After the game, Pep Guardiola said: "Manchester City is a good team, but sometimes you lose. In the end, we could not do it, their penalty-takers were better than us."

Manchester City gets the Premier League season kicked off on Friday against Burnley, while Arsenal plays Nottingham Forest at Saturday lunchtime.