Ramsdale admits Arsenal have overcome Man City 'mental block' after Wembley win
Aaron Ramsdale admitted that Arsenal had a “mental block” against Manchester City after ending a dreadful run against their rivals in the Community Shield.
The Gunners won 4-1 on penalties in the curtain-raiser at Wembley on Sunday evening after Leandro Trossard ’s late goal saw the match finish 1-1. Cole Palmer’s curling strike appeared to have City on course for a ninth successive win over Arsenal before Mikel Arteta’s side roared back late on.
Trossard’s shot cannoned off Manuel Akanji in the 101st minute to level things and send the match to penalties. Kevin De Bruyne smashed his effort into the bar and Rodri’s effort was saved by Ramsdale as Martin Odegaard, Trossard, Bukayo Saka and Fabio Vieira all beat Stefan Ortega from the spot.
Arsenal had not beaten Pep Guardiola's since a 2-0 win in the FA Cup semi-finals in July 2020 and were pipped to the Premier League title last season after City turned them over twice in the run-in. Ramsdale thinks the Community Shield win has got the monkey off their back and can be hugely significant psychologically.
"We have been working hard [on penalties] for two years. I haven't had the luck which I needed in previous seasons but we have gone with our plans and it has worked today,” he told ITV.
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"I'm not sure [what it represents]. City are a bit behind in their pre-season. For us, it's a statement. It's a marker to know we can go and beat Man City in a big game when it matters. We have that mental block gone and we are ready now to push on for the season.”
Arsenal had a fresh look to their side, with Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber and Kai Havertz all making their debuts following summer transfers. Havertz spurned two good chances in the first half, but the additions could help Arsenal close the gap to Manchester City.
Aaron Ramsdale saved from Rodri in the shootout (Eddie Keogh/The FA via Getty Images)Rice joined in a £105million move from West Ham and was delighted to get a first piece of silverware in his first game. "I am buzzing, this is what I envisioned when I joined,” he said.
"City gave us what we expected, but I am buzzing – so happy. You have to have the patience against them, you have to have mini games within the game against them like the manager said to us before.
"To win today, my first for the club. I feel I've grown a lot in the last three weeks. There's a lot of information to take in about what the manager wants. I'm eager to learn and keep improving. I'm sure we can achieve anything this season, we just need to remain focused."
Arsenal get their Premier League campaign underway at home against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, while City travel to Burnley on Friday.
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