Arsenal got off to a great start to the 2023-24 season. The Gunners emerged victorious against Manchester City in the FA Community Shield on Sunday, beating the reigning European champions on penalties after a dramatic 1-1 draw. It was an unforgettable day for Brazilians Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Magalhaes, who celebrated their first trophy in north London. Gabriel Jesus was ruled out due to a knee procedure that ruled him out for the start of the campaign.
Though Martinelli was part of the Arsenal squad when the club won both the FA Cup and Community Shield in 2020, he missed both fixtures due to injury. The defender, on the other hand, was not even in England by then. Now, the Brazilian duo hopes to continue winning silverware at the Emirates Stadium.
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Arsenal beat City in dramatic game
Mikel Arteta decided to start both Martinelli and Magalhaes at Wembley. While the winger was subbed off after 75′, the center back left the pitch 12 minutes later to make room for Emile Smith Rowe as the Gunners tried to bounce back from Cole Palmer’s opening goal.
When it looked like City would claim the first prize of the season, a deflected shot from Leandro Trossard tied the game for Arsenal in the dying minutes. Arteta’s men got the upper hand on penalties, winning 4-1 in the shootout.
“I’m so happy. It’s one of those special days that will be remembered in my life and in my career, because you never forget your first title. And at Wembley and the way it happened. The team didn’t give up, we went for it literally until the end. Then it’s a lottery and we were more competent. It’s very nice to start the season in this way,” Martinelli said, via Globo.
