Community Shield Top Trumps: Man City win over Arsenal on cards
Published:It’s the Premier League’s annual party-starter at Wembley so naturally here at News.Ladbrokes we’ve come across all 80s card-game style in our assessments of Arsenal v Manchester City.
Community Shield Record: Arsenal 8/10 – Manchester City 6/10
Only two teams (Manchester United and Liverpool) have acquired more Charity/Community Shields than Arsenal who are vying for their 13th victory in their 20th appearance.
Although Arsene Wenger’s mob were defeated by Chelsea at the Millennium Stadium back in 2005 the last time they contested the showpiece, they had just won three of the previous four.
Meanwhile, Manchester City have contested half as many and currently sit in arrears 4-5, having both won and lost the Shield in the last three seasons.
Pre-season form: Arsenal (WLWL) 4 / Manchester City 8 (LWWWD*D*)
Warm-up games are never the most reliable barometers of true form, but in this case Man City have enjoyed a far more extensive and cohesive pre-season.
Only a couple of losses on penalties to the likes of Liverpool and Olympiakos added a tinge of disappointment, but the form of Stevan Jovetic – scorer of five goals – was another huge positive for Manuel Pellegrini.
Contrastingly, Arsenal have played two games less, losing latterly to Monaco at home and are likely to pine for their German World Cup compliment more than City will miss their Argentine trio at Wembley.
Last season’s meetings: Arsenal 6 / 9 Manchester City
There’s only one winner here after City’s 6-3 mauling of the Gunners at the Emirates in December which signified a massive table-turning moment in the title race and set the tone for more miserable Arsenal away days to come. A 1-1 draw at the Etihad saved some face for Wenger but it was too little too late.
Summer signings: Arsenal 8 / 6 Manchester City
Pellegrini has bought pretty wisely it must be said, with the additions of back-up keeper Willy Caballero, defensive midfielder Fernando (impressive in pre-season) and full-back Bacary Sagna.
However, Arsenal’s capture of Barcelona star Alexis Sanchez is the signing of the summer, while Mathieu Debuchy and Calum Chambers are also more than ample replacements for Sagna. A world-class holding midfielder is the only missing piece now.
Totals: Arsenal 24 / 29 Manchester City
Verdict: Back Man City to beat Arsenal at 6/5
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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