Arsenal started the new season with a piece of silverware as they lifted the FA Community Shield following a penalty shootout victory over Liverpool.
Taking the lead early on through a stunning finish from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as he curled the ball home from outside the area, Liverpool’s January signing Takumi Minamino restored parity with 17 minutes left on the clock.
The game subsequently went to penalties and it was the Gunners who came out victorious with a 5-4 win after Liverpool’s Rhian Brewster smashed his effort against the crossbar, thus allowing Aubameyang to win it with Arsenal’s final penalty.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez could be seen trying to put off Liverpool’s players before they stepped up to take a penalty, most notably when youngster Curtis Jones lined up to take their fourth kick.
Well, it seems the mind games actually started just before the shootout commenced as the captains decided on which team would go first.
![[FILE] Liverpool’s Egyptian midfielder Mohamed Salah (L) runs with the ball as Arsenal’s Brazilian defender Gabriel closes in during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium in London. (Photo by Catherine Ivill / POOL / AFP)](https://www.afriupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/000_97B779-scaled-e1703231851386-120x86.jpg "Liverpool host Arsenal in battle for Premier League Christmas No. 1 2")
With both goalkeepers joining Virgil Van Dijk and Aubameyang talking to the referee, Martinez could be seen questioning the Liverpool captain after he made his decision over when the Reds would take their penalties.
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