MANCHESTER CITY WINS COMMUNITY SHIELD AS MANCHESTER UNITED RUES SQUANDERING GOAL OPPORTUNITIES

By Olopade Sakiru

Manchester City has finally broken the jinx of winning community shield cup after three attempts , following their victory against arch rivals, Manchester United on penalties (7-6) , after playing one all draw during the regulation time.

Erik Ten Hag, parading a strong team, left no one in doubt as to his intentions to clinch the first silverware of the new season.

Manchester City, despite parading youthful stars, dominated proceedings in the opening minutes of the match but as the game progressed, the Red devils grew in confidence and took over the control of the game with beautiful interchange of passes from the midfield marshalled by Casemiro, Mainoo, Fernandes, Mount but poor marksmanship robbed them of goals as Marcus Rashford, Mc Tominay and Amad were wasteful, failing to convert to goal many begging chances.

However, the introduction of Alejandro Garnacho broke the deadlock in the 82nd minute, after receiving a pin point pass from Bruno Fernandes just outside the box and moved in, before unleashing a left footed shot into the bottom right corner past a helpless Ederson .

Bernardo Silva who came in as substitute restored parity at exactly 89th minute after the younger winger, Oscar Bobb floated in the ball into the box and Bernardo Silva headed the ball past Andre Onana for the equalizer .

In the penalty shoot out, the old war horse, Jonny Evans lost his spot kick while Manuel Akanji converted his own kick to end the penalty shoot out 7--6 in favour of Manchester City to give them the desirous community shield, thereby, handing over to Pep Gaurdiola his 18th title  as manager of the Manchester City.