Fans Spot ‘Genius’ Arteta Move That Helped Arsenal Win Community Shield

• Fans have credited Arsenal's Community Shield to Mikel Arteta's 'genius' move during the pre-season
• Arteta had his charges take part in penalty shootouts at the end of all their pre-season games
• The Gunners stunned City 4-1 in post-match penalties to secure the domestic trophy ahead of the new season

Arsenal fans have pinpointed a 'genius' Mikel Arteta move that may have played a vital part in the Gunners' Community Shield triumph.

The north Londoners stunned Manchester City 4-1 in post-match penalties to win their second pre-2023/24 trophy, having initially lifted the Emirates Cup.

The Sunday, August 6, encounter had to be decided via the shootouts after it ended in a 1-1 draw during regulation time.

According to Sky Sports, Man City youngster Cole Palmer bagged the opening goal of the match in the 77th minute before Leandro Trossard equalised at stoppage time to force the match into penalties.

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A clinical Arsenal side went on to win the shootouts by scoring all four of their spot kicks, with City scoring only one.

Fans hail Arteta's 'genius' move

Fans have now moved to praise Arteta for playing a key part in Arsenal's triumph in the tie, thanks to his genius tactical.

The Sun reports that the Gunners' Community Shield win was down to Arteta's support for end-of-match spot-kicks during the pre-season.

The north Londoners participated in shootouts in all their matches during the pre-season, including their most recent outing before the City clash against AS Monaco in the Emirates Cup.

That single aspect of Arteta's plan for the pre-season had fans talking, with one saying:

"Those pre-season penalty exhibitions turned out to be pretty useful in the end."

A second pointed out:

"Seems like Arteta’s plan wanting pre season games to have penalties is bearing fruit."

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Earlier, Sports Brief reported Erling Haaland was unfazed by Arsenal fans booing him after he was substituted in the 65th minute of the Community Shield, which he had a very quiet game.

Arsenal triumphed over Manchester City on penalties to win the second Community Shield of Mikel Arteta's reign as manager, a confidence booster ahead of the new season.

Haaland struggled throughout his 65 minutes on the pitch, making just 14 touches and was eventually replaced by academy star Palmer, who got City's only goal.