While Arsenal were busy humbling the Premier League champions, Manchester City, at Wembley there were a few new faces looking to make their mark on proceedings.
As the new Premier League season approaches, many football fans cast their eyes on the FA Community Shield today with an eager look at the new signings representing both sides.
Here, we asses how the new boys got on for their respective new clubs.
Arsenal
Alexis Sanchez (above)
Calum Chambers
The young defender is not a natural centre-half but the biggest compliment he could have been played is that he didn’t look out of place. He remains a work in progress, and got caught on several occasions — most notably by Toure and Dzeko — but on more than one had the pace to make up for his mistake. An encouraging day.
Mathieu Debuchy
Looked as though he had been playing in the Arsenal back four for years. Along with Kieran Gibbs on the opposite flank gave his side width going forward, yet was rarely caught out at the other end. Was caught under a Navas cross as Jovetic headed against the post early in the second half, but overall a reassuring start.
Manchester City
Willy Caballero
It would be a big surprise if the former Malaga keeper started the league opener against Newcastle next weekend following a shaky performance. Should not have been beaten by Cazorla for the first, while he was guilty of flapping at Giroud’s third. Did well to race from his goal and deny Sanchez at the end of the first half, though.
Fernando
The Brazilian’s first act was a foul on Wilshere on halfway and that set the tone for an afternoon of destruction and harrying. Showed little intent to get on the ball until Toure was withdrawn with 30 minutes to go. In that time he did hint at some vision and a willingness to get forward, but City fans will want to see more.
Bruno Zuculini
The young Argentine midfielder had a chastening start to life in English football as Giroud shrugged off his challenge before firing home from 20 yards, within 60 seconds of his arrival. Did not let that get to him though and was always looking to get forward from midfield.
