Aaron Ramsdale believes Arsenal have overcome a ‘mental block’ to beat Manchester City and win the Community Shield.
Mikel Arteta’s side won the first silverware of the season after Arsenal beat Manchester City on penalties at Wembley, after Leandro Trossard’s last-gasp equaliser for the Gunners had cancelled out Cole Palmer’s brilliant opener to force a shootout.
Kevin De Bruyne then crashed his spot-kick against the crossbar before Ramsdale saved from Rodri, setting the stage for Fabio Vieira to convert and crown Arsenal winners.
Arsenal had lost their last eight games against Manchester City, including a crushing defeat during last season’s Premier League title run-in, and Ramsdale believes the Gunners have now sent a statement with victory over Pep Guardiola’s side.
“We worked hard on it. We’ve been working hard for two years. We haven’t had luck which was probably needed in previous seasons. We’ve stuck at it. It’s worked today,” Ramsdale told ITV on their penalty win over City.
On what the win means for the upcoming season, the goalkeeper added: “I’m not sure. City are a bit behind their pre-season. For us, it’s a statement. It’s a marker to know we can go and beat Man City in a big game when it matters.
“I’m not sure what it’ll be like this season. But that mental block is gone. We’re ready to push on now.”
