Mikel Arteta praises Arsenal’s response after Community Shield win over Manchester City

Mikel Arteta said he was “slightly surprised” by Arsenal’s performance after they beat Manchester City 3-0 to win the English Community Shield in Cardiff, Wales.

The victory gave the English league champions their first trophy of the season, with Arteta particularly impressed by the attitude and reaction shown by his players.

Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, the Arsenal manager said: “We played extremely well. I liked the desire we showed and the reaction the team produced. I was extremely happy watching them play.”

Arteta also praised Christos Tzolis, who he said had fitted into the Arsenal team naturally and demonstrated a strong understanding of the way the side wanted to play.

“I think he integrated into the team extremely naturally,” said Arteta. “His understanding of the game is outstanding. He is a player who makes the right decision at the moment when many others rush and make the wrong one.”

He added: “He is very intelligent and extremely precise in tight spaces. He made the right decision twice and managed to create two goals.”

Arteta believes Arsenal’s midfield has developed into a major strength, with the team continuing to add quality and leadership to the area.

“It is very strong,” he said. “I think we add more quality year after year. We have very good combinations, and now we have many leadership qualities.”

The result came despite Arsenal having only recently completed their pre-season preparations. Arteta said between eight and nine players had been involved in trials during that period, making the team’s display against Manchester City all the more impressive.

“I am slightly surprised,” he said. “We had a pre-season in which we had eight or nine players being tested, so to play in this way is extremely impressive.”

Arteta was also asked about the absence of Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus from Arsenal’s squad for the match.

“It is really sad that we cannot use their services,” he said. “I have been putting pressure on the Premier League to extend the deadline and allow more players to be included in the squad.”

“Those two deserve to be in the squad, and I hope we can change this rule,” Arteta added.

Arsenal’s three-goal victory over Manchester City secured the first silverware of the new campaign, while Arteta used his post-match comments to underline both the quality of his squad and his frustration with the restrictions affecting team selection.