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Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has voiced his optimism for the upcoming season after his side's 2023 FA Community Shield win over Manchester City on Sunday (August 6).
The Gunners clashed horns with City in English football's annual curtain-raiser at the Wembley. Pep Guardiola's treble winners took the lead in the 77th minute through substitute Cole Palmer's beautiful left-footed strike. However, Leandro Trossard restored parity in the 11th minute of stoppage time.
Arsenal held their nerve better in the ensuing shootout, as Martin Odegaard, Trossard, Bukayo Saka and Fabio Vieira scored. Meanwhile, only Bernardo Silva netted for Manchester City, with Kevin De Bruyne missing the target and Rodri seeing his effort saved as City lost the shootout 4-1.
After the match, Rice, who arrived at the Emirates on a record-breaking deal worth £105 million earlier this summer, praised his team. The Englishman also reflected on the growth he belives he has undergone in a short time with the club, saying (as quoted by football.london):
"I feel like I've grown so much already in the first three weeks that I've been here. There's a lot of information to take in of what the manager wants.
"I'm eager to learn, as I keep saying, I'm eager to keep improving, and I'm sure with this team we've got, the manager, the staff, everyone so together, we can achieve anything this year. We just need to stay focused, stay together and enjoy today."
The victory meant Arsenal won their 17th Community Shield and are only four behind all-time leaders Manchester United.
Meanwhile, Manchester City suffered their third successive defeat in the fixture, losing 3-1 to Liverpool last season and 1-0 to Leicester City in 2021. They did, however, win the title in 2018 and 2019.
Arsenal and Manchester City open their Premier League campaigns this weekend
The Premier League returns this weekend with a bunch of exciting fixtures. Arsenal and Manchester City, last season's runners-up and champions respectively, will be followed keenly.
The Gunners open their league campaign against Nottingham Forest at the Emirates on Saturday (August 12). Meanwhile, the Citizens kick things off at newly promoted Burnley, who're managed by City legend Vincent Kompany, a day earlier.
Other interesting fixtures include Manchester United hosting Wolverhampton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur visiting Brentford. The headline clash of the Premier League weekend sees Chelsea host Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
