With a below strength team Arsenal claimed the Community Shield at the expense of Liverpool in a penalty shootout.
Jurgen Klopp was on the receiving end of a tactical lesson by Mikel Arteta. The Arsenal manager employed a low block that kept the Reds’ attackers at bay.
While Klopp sent his best eleven out on the pitch, Arsenal did not have that luxury. Bernd Leno, Willian, Mesut Ozil and Alexandre Lacazette were absent from the squad.
Barring Ozil, the absence of first team regulars gave Mohamed Elneny the chance to prove his mettle. The Egyptian was paired in midfield alongside Granit Xhaka, and hardly put a foot wrong.
Arsene Wenger praised Elneny after match and coyly suggested his link with the Gunners.
“He is a fantastic team player and he is a credit to your country if you are Egyptian,” Football London quoted Wenger. “He is a fantastic boy, we love him here.”
Unai Emery did not see Elneny as a first team regular and sent him out on loan to Galatasaray. He made 27 Super Lig appearances for the Turkish giants.
The 28-year-old has been at Arsenal since January 2016, and has made 90 appearances in all competitions. He has been linked with a move away from the Emirates stadium but seems to have done enough to ensure continuity under Arteta.
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