THE NOTEBOOK: Erling Haaland’s Community Shield curse continues as Mikel Arteta’s tactical switches keep his stars sharp

Arsenal claimed their first trophy in three years thanks to a penalty shootout victory over Manchester City in the FA Community Shield final.

Cole Palmer had given City a late lead with a miraculous strike before Leandro Trossard scored in the 11th minute of extra time, setting up the shootout which the Gunners won 4–1.

After defeat, Mikel Arteta had a nice win over his old mentor, Pep Guardiola, and showed the Premier League what his side is all about with the season starter in a few days. Try telling them this was just a friendly game.

We got a glimpse of the punitive action of the upcoming campaign, with referees who would crack down on wasted time and dissent. Several players were under these new measures in Stuart Attwell’s book and even Arteta was booked for dissent.

Here are some aspects of the finale you may have missed.

The Jeff Astle Foundation was a worthy beneficiary of the charitable funds generated.

The former England attacker died in 2002 at the age of 59 from early dementia.

After the struggle his widow, Laraine, and daughter, Dawn, went through to get soccer to deal with this big issue, it was appropriate.

Leandro Trossard’s goal was the first goal by a current Arsenal player at Wembley.

The Gunners’ previous five goals on the ground had all been scored by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Mikel Arteta’s chess game keeps his stars sharp forever.

Having started captaincy for the first time against Monaco last week, Eddie Nketiah looked likely to be a shoo-in for this game.

But no, the Arsenal manager went for Kai Havertz as a false nine – a position he occasionally played at Chelsea. No player spot is safe under the Spaniard.

How refreshing that the FA actually listened to the supporters.

The kick-off was originally scheduled for 5:30 PM, but following concerns from fans about potential public transport problems, it was brought forward to 4:00 PM.

A good move, and hopefully a continuing trend in incorporating audience feedback.

The refereeing organization PGMOL warned clubs ahead of the season against a crackdown on the manager’s antics.

Here Arteta was booked for gesticulating angrily at referee Stuart Attwell when Rodri dragged Havertz back on a counter-attack.

A rather timely reminder for the opening weekend of the Premier League.

Erling Haaland’s sour relationship with the Community Shield continued.

The striker missed two golden chances against Liverpool last season as City lost 3-1.

Against Arsenal? He did not register a single shot and was substituted after 64 minutes.