Some people do not consider winning the Community Shield particularly important, so they may not be too concerned if Arsenal lose to Manchester City this weekend when the two clubs meet in the curtain-raiser. However, Martin Keown has a different view and believes it is an important game for Arsenal to win before the season begins.
Arsenal will be looking to retain the league crown and challenge for other trophies, while they have one of the best squads in England. With many of their rivals having new coaches on the bench, the Gunners have an opportunity to build momentum and begin the campaign positively.
Keown Sees Community Shield As Important
Arsenal will want to ensure they have the strongest team possible to work with, and winning the Community Shield would allow them to start the term on a positive note. Their meeting with City gives them an immediate opportunity to test themselves against one of their major rivals.
Keown believes winning the competition could be valuable before the season starts, particularly because Arsenal face a difficult opening run of fixtures. Speaking about the match, he said via Hayters:
“It’s a dress rehearsal as well.
“I think it gives you an advantage because there is a lot of pressure building for the first match of the season and somehow you can get it out of the way a little bit.”
Arsenal Need Confidence Before Season
Keown believes the result could have an impact on Arsenal’s confidence heading into the new campaign. With difficult matches awaiting them at the start of the season, he feels beginning with a victory could provide an important boost.
“The first five or six games for Arsenal are really tough,” he added.
“So, I think you need to win that game to give the confidence to the group.”
The Community Shield may not carry the same importance as the Premier League or other major competitions, but Keown believes it can still serve a purpose for Arsenal. A victory over City would give the Gunners an early opportunity to build confidence and prepare for the demands of the new season.
For Arsenal, the match is therefore more than simply a curtain raiser. It gives them the chance to test their squad, build momentum and begin their campaign with a win, something Keown believes could prove valuable given the challenges that await them.
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