‘Ifreke talks Sports: 7 things we learnt from Arsenal vs Manchester City

by ‘Ifreke Inyang

Sanchez-City Community Shield 2014

1. Competition enhances performance

It was a fine performance from the Gunners, especially in defence. The full-backs were fit and quick. Chambers has forged a strong partnership with Laurent Koscielny, as Mertesacker’s holiday continues. Yaya Sanogo, who was picked ahead of Olivier Giroud, looks sharper this term. Who wouldn’t step it up, when Joel Campbell and Alexis Sanchez are lurking?

 

2. It comes full cycle

10-11 years ago, it was perfectly normal for Arsenal to brush teams aside and win trophies. Then came the period of financial tightness and frugal spending. It has come full cycle. Four months ago, the nine-year spell was broken with victory in the FA Cup. Today, Wenger proudly adds the Community Shield. Sign of things to expect this season?

 
3. Alexis will be a Premier League star

The dimunitive Chilean lasted 45 minutes, but in that time, he proved a real handful. Starting from the right, Alexis linked up beautifully with his new team-mates and was involved in the second goal, providing a neat pass to set Sanogo on his way. Wenger said after the match: “Alexis was lively and was always a threat but he is not quite ready”. There will be more to come, especially when Ozil and Walcott return to the team.

 
4. Depleted City side

City were without Vincent Kompany, Sergio Aguero, Bacary Sagna, Alvaro Negredo, etc today. The first two names are sure starters and make up the spine of Manuel Pellegrini’s team. That doesn’t take anything away from a fine Arsenal performance. It probably would have been tougher for them with these players fit and available.

 
5. The EPL is back!

The Community Shield game is played one week before the Premier League kicks off in earnest. So as the dust settles on this one, let’s be fully aware that next week, Britain’s most watched drama series returns to our TV screens! City are defending champions and will be looking to bounce back from Sunday’s loss against Newcastle, while Arsenal welcome Crystal Palace to the Emirates.

 

6. Richards and Sinclair are still alive

Two of Pellegrini’s substitutes in the second half were Micah Richards and Scott Sinclair. Although most managers are looking to swell their English contingent, the two players have been left out in the cold at the Etihad. Richards is more likely to leave, while Sinclair might just be left to ponder what might have been, if he didn’t suddenly feel like Cristiano Ronaldo at Swansea.

 
7. Cal(u)m Chambers

Most Gooners have been drooling over Alexis Sanchez, but 19-year-old Calum Chambers has stepped in, almost unnoticed and put in a number of brilliant performances for Arsenal. The former Southampton protege is calm, composed and courageous on the ball. Reads the game very well and cuts out danger efficiently. Good buy, Arsene.

 

 

 
‘Ifreke Inyang tweets via @Ifreke

 

 

.

Comments (3)

  1. registration fee #600

  2. methodist youth will come on 28/07/2014 to 31/07/2014

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

cool good eh love2 cute confused notgood numb disgusting fail