Paul Merson predicts Arsenal will beat Man City in Community Shield final
Paul Merson has revealed his prediction as Arsenal prepare to face Manchester City in the Community Shield final. The Premier League season curtain-raiser is usually contested between the previous campaign’s champions and FA Cup winners. But as Man City won both competitions on the way to a historic treble, Arsenal were handed a place in Sunday’s Community Shield final at Wembley courtesy of finishing as runners-up in the Premier League.
Arsenal came close to winning their first league title since 2004 last term but an end-of-season wobble allowed Manchester City to claim their third successive title. The Gunners have bolstered Mikel Arteta’s squad at the Emirates Stadium this summer with the signings of Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber. Man City, meanwhile, have spent over £100m to bring Croatia internationals Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic to the Etihad.
Revealing his prediction for the Community Shield final
Revealing his prediction for the Community Shield final, Merson told Sportskeeda: ‘Arsenal have depth in their squad and have closed the gap in the transfer market. When they played in the group stages in Europe last season, they played their strongest team. They started resting players in the knock-outs and went out straight away against Sporting Lisbon.
‘They’ve brought in players now to strengthen the team. Very few people expected Arsenal to make it to the top four last season, but there are a lot of expectations from the team this season. A lot of players were unbelievable for Arsenal last season, and it’s a big ask for them to produce the same quality again.
‘This Community Shield match will be a bigger game for Arsenal than it will be for Man City. I’m going to back Arsenal to win this game, 2-1.’
Arsenal’s Strengths
Arsenal have made some impressive signings this summer, and they have a strong squad that is capable of competing with any team in the Premier League. They have added depth to their squad with the arrivals of Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber, and they also have a number of experienced players who can provide leadership and guidance to the younger players. The Gunners also have a strong defence, which is led by captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Manchester City’s Strengths
Manchester City have also made some impressive signings this summer, with the arrivals of Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic adding quality to their squad. They also have a wealth of experience in their ranks, with Sergio Aguero, Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling all capable of producing moments of magic. Man City also have a strong defence that is marshalled by captain Vincent Kompany.
Conclusion
The Community Shield final promises to be an exciting game between two teams who are both capable of winning the match. Both teams have made some impressive signings this summer, and they both have strong squads that are capable of competing for major honours this season. Paul Merson has backed Arsenal to win the match 2-1, but it could go either way.
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