Arsenal player ratings: Aubameyang picks up where he left off at Wembley but Cedric gaffe gifts Liverpool equaliser
PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG calmly slotted the winning penalty past Alisson as Arsenal were victorious at Wembley yet again.
The skipper, who is yet to sign a new contract at the Emirates, had given the Gunners a first-half lead with a sensational curling strike from range.
Liverpool came on strong in the second-half, however, and finally found an equaliser when Takumi Minamino pounced on a defensive mix-up to slot past Emi Martinez.
Mikel Arteta’s side rallied though, and converted all five of their penalties to defeat the Reds’ and lift the community shield.
Here is how SunSport rated each Arsenal performer on the day under the famous arch.
EMI MARTINEZ – 8
Terrific right-handed save by the Argentine to deny Sadio Mane one-on-one in the second half. The imposing stopper was helpless for Minamino’s equaliser but again smothered Mane late on. Has staked his claim to be Arsenal’s No1.
ROB HOLDING – 7
Held his own under intense pressure at times. The 24-year-old will hope to finally cement a regular starting berth with the Gunners this season.
DAVID LUIZ – 7
No mistakes from the Brazilian, who produced another decent Wembley showing. Luiz appears to thrive at the centre of a back three. Beautifully taken penalty in the shoot-out.
KIERAN TIERNEY – 7
Disciplined defensively and extremely accomplished with the ball at his feet. The Scot is getting better and better in an Arsenal shirt.
HECTOR BELLERIN – 6
The speedy wing-back will be hoping to stay fit this term. His absence in the final half hour was noticeable with Soares’ erratic cameo.
MOHAMED ELNENY – 6
A composed return to action for Arsenal’s forgotten man. His poise in the middle of the pitch could see him work his way back into the Gunners’ plans after having been shipped out on loan last term.
GRANIT XHAKA – 6
Missed his partner in crime Dani Ceballos, but continues to look more mature in an Arsenal shirt in 2020.
AINSLEY MAITLAND-NILES – 7
Stuck willingly to his task of containing the likes of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane. Begs the question why Arsenal seem eager to let him go. Calmly converted his penalty.
BUKAYO SAKA – 6
Sprayed a fabulous cross-field switch to Aubameyang in the build-up to the Gunners’ opener. Hasn’t been weighed down by being handed the No7 shirt.
EDDIE NKETIAH – 5
Ever the willing runner, Nketiah will have to answer questions about his decision making this season.
PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG – 8
Picked up where he left off last season when he whipped a gorgeous right-footed effort past the helpless Alisson in the first half. Paid a poignant tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman with his “Wakanda Forever” celebration. Confidently scored Arsenal’s winning penalty.
SUBSTITUTES
Cedric Soares (for Hector Bellerin, 59) – 4 Clumsily brought down Salah after misreading a high ball. Inadvertently diverted the ball into Minamino’s path for the equaliser. Did provide a good cross for Willock and score his penalty.
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Reiss Nelson (for Saka, 82) – N/A Had little time to make an impact late on. Converted penalty in shoot-out.
Joe Willock (for Nketiah, 82) – N/A Might have done better when found by a Soares cross late on.
Sead Kolasinac (for Tierney, 82) – N/A Is likely to be Tierney’s back-up this season.