Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has claimed the Gunners are now over their "mental block" following Sunday’s victory over Manchester City in the Community Shield.
Having collapsed in the final straight of last season’s Premier League title race and seeing City surge past them, Mikel Arteta’s team lifted the Community Shield in the annual curtain raiser at Wembley as an early statement of intent ahead of the 2023/24 campaign to come.
Arsenal went behind to a 77th minute Cole Palmer goal, which had the potential to see City go on and claim the win. But the Gunners fought back and forced a penalty shootout when Leandro Trossard equalised in the 11th minute of stoppage time.
Arsenal were flawless in the shootout, with Martin Odegaard, Trossard and Bukayo Saka all converting. Kevin De Bruyne struck the crossbar for City, with Ramsdale also saving from Rodri. The latter set it up for Fabio Vieira to win it 4-1 in the Gunners’ favour.
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"It's a statement," Ramsdale told ITV. "It's a marker to know we can go and beat Manchester City in a big game when it matters. I'm not sure what it'll be like this season. But that mental block is gone. We're ready to push on now."
In stark contrast to Sunday, Arsenal were comprehensively beaten by City at the Etihad Stadium last April when their title challenge was starting to crumble – City scored three goals without reply on, before a late consolation from Rob Holding was followed by a fourth from Erling Haaland.
Arsenal start their Premier League campaign at home against Nottingham Forest on 12 August.
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On this edition of The Chronicles of a Gooner, part of the 90min podcast network, Harry Symeou reacts to Arsenal beating Manchester City in the Community Shield at Wembley! If you can't see this embed, click here to listen to the podcast!
This article was originally published on 90min as Aaron Ramsdale claims Arsenal are over 'mental block' after Community Shield win.