Arsenal vs Liverpool result: Five things we learned from Gunners’ Community Shield victory

Mikel Arteta’s team won their second trophy of the month at Wembley after a penalty shootout

Granit Xhaka of Arsenal (left) battles with Liverpool's Sadio Mane at Wembley (Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

A little lethargy at Liverpool?

Liverpool seemed to play in bursts on Saturday. James Milner was typically industrious from the opening whistle and Andy Robertson also looked sharp from the get-go, but the pair’s team-mates alternated between applying themselves and plodding along.

That’s justifiable given the physical and emotional expenditure of last season, but it doesn’t necessarily bode well for the incoming one. In fact, Arsenal had less time to recover from the last term ahead of the Community Shield, but they looked the brighter outfit for most of the tie until they faded late on.

No one should read too much into Saturday’s Liverpool display, but fans everywhere will keep a keen eye on how Jurgen Klopp’s players fare in what is sure to be a brutal campaign for all clubs.

For what it’s worth, the Reds found a higher gear after the break and that was likely down to a stern team talk from their manager before he started to make changes on the hour mark.

Jurgen Klopp looks on in exasperation as his Liverpool side trail Arsenal at Wembley (Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Arteta genuinely building something at Arsenal

Arsenal have undoubtedly looked a stronger, smarter, more efficient team since coach Mikel Arteta arrived at the end of last year.

And what will have encouraged supporters greatly on Saturday, as their side picked up their second trophy under the Spaniard in a matter of weeks (regardless of your view of the Community Shield), is that the Gunners still seem to be improving.

The overall improvement of the team is visible on an individual level, too; Kieran Tierney looks increasingly confident, Ainsley Maitland-Niles is starting to settle into the starting line-up, Mohamed Elneny – in his first game back since his loan at Besiktas – was comfortable alongside Granit Xhaka, one of the greatest beneficiaries since Arteta’s arrival.

Furthermore, neither William Saliba – on the bench – nor Willian – not included – were involved here, so there is reason to believe that the Gunners will look an even more complete team once the season begins in proper. That’s not taking into account the seemingly imminent arrival of Gabriel Magalhaes at the back, either.

Arsenal should end Aubameyang games

Given the light-hearted nature of some of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s recent social media activity (yes, it’s an odious way of predicting a player’s future) and that of the north London club, it’s fair to say both parties are confident a deal will be struck to keep the forward at the Emirates.

But as much fun as the player and club seem to be having with the ambiguity of the situation, it’s perhaps more important now to just get a contract signed and send a clear message to Arsenal fans that Aubameyang is going to stay.

His dead-eye finish to open the scoring at Wembley was somehow simultaneously predictable and stunning, and if Arteta and the Gunners are serious about pushing forward, they need their best player on board and continuing to provide goals like that.

Martinez not out the door yet

Rumours began to emerge this week that Arsenal could be prepared to let goalkeeper Emi Martinez leave – despite his impressive performances last season after stepping in for the injured Bernd Leno.

Then on the morning of the Community Shield, our own Miguel Delaney reported that Aston Villa were preparing a £10million bid for the 27-year-old.

Arsenal goalkeeper Emi Martinez has been linked with an exit from the north London club (Getty Images)

None of this, nor the fact that Leno is back fit, prevented Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta from starting Martinez against Liverpool, however, suggesting that the Argentine’s future may still lie at the Emirates.

So strong were Martinez’s showings last term that many fans believed he could actually usurp Leno for the Gunners, and – following the goalkeeper’s commanding performance on Saturday – that possibility shouldn’t yet be ruled out.

No true winner in battle of Scottish left-backs

Scotland team-mates Robertson and Tierney hate being compared, but it’s difficult to resist doing just that.

Both men had decent outings on Saturday. Liverpool’s Robertson provided plenty of energy and fine crosses from the off, while Tierney was alert and gritty throughout.

It’s just a shame for Scotland that coach Steve Clarke has to pick between the players, rather than being able to deploy them in different areas of the pitch at the same time.

At 23, Tierney is just three years Robertson’s junior, so it will be interesting to see how the Arsenal man’s career develops and where he fits in for his national side in the long run.