Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC
Arsene Wenger finally ended his winless streak against sworn rival Jose Mourinho, as Arsenal won the annual tie between the Premier League champions and FA Cup winners at Wembley. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain scored the lone goal in a gritty encounter, as Petr Cech made his debut for the Gunners against his former club. Wenger, after 13 agonizing draws and losses, got lucky for the 14th time against his bitterest enemy.
In the absence of Alexis Sanchez, Oxlade-Chamberlain set the stage on fire and quite deftly opened the scoring when Walcott spread the ball wide for his countryman, who was gifted too much space by Azpilicueta and the speedy winger blasted a left-footed shot into the top corner. Chelsea, back from a tiring pre-season tour in the United Stated look off-colour and Loic Remy, who got a start due to Diego Costa’s injury, was seemingly clueless for the entirety of his 45 minute display. New on-loan signing Falcao was introduced at half-time but the Columbian, who had a torrid year at Manchester United, was unable to create an impact on the proceedings.
Arsenal’s midfield was just too good for a jaded yet determined Chelsea side which created few meaningful chances throughout the game. Courtois kept the Blues in the hunt for an equaliser with a few brilliant saves and denied Cazorla and Gibbs late-on to keep the deficit at one goal.
In the end, Arsenal were the deserving side and although this game is widely considered a friendly, Gunners’ fans were delirious as this seems to be the beginning of a new era. Petr Cech, who defected from Chelsea after scarce opportunities last season, seems to have injected a new belief in the Gunners and is well on the verge of becoming a cult hero at the Emirates as well.
Although Wenger accomplished what he had tried 13 times before Sunday, there was no love lost between the Frenchman and Mourinho as the two quite characteristically snubbed each other during the post-match handshake.
Reuters
Nicklas Bendtner was the unlikely hero for Wolfsburg as his side beat Bayern Munich on penalties in the German Super Cup. The widely ridiculed striker took the game to penalties after a late equaliser before converting the decisive spot-kick to complete a hat-trick of Super Cup defeats for Pep Guardiola. New Bayern signing Douglas Costa terrorized the Wolfsburg defence and provided the cross for the Arjen Robben’s opener. The Bavarians were well on course to win the title before Nicklas ‘TheLord’ Bendtner leveled matters with a headed 89th minute equaliser. Xabi Alonso missed his spot-kick, while the Dane sent his penalty into the top corner past Manuel Neuer to propel his side to victory.
Paris Saint-Germain continued their excellent form with a 2-0 win over Olympique Lyonnais to lift the Trophee des Champions in Montreal.
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