CARDIFF, Wales — Bruno Guimarães and Elliot Anderson made their inaugural starts for Arsenal and Manchester City respectively during the Community Shield following their high-profile transfers this summer.
Guimarães transferred to Arsenal from Newcastle United in early August for a reported fee of £75 million ($101.5m). He made a brief appearance for the Gunners in a preseason friendly against Como last Wednesday.
The Brazil international paired with Myles Lewis-Skelly in the midfield, and Arsenal’s captain Martin Ødegaard was also included in the starting eleven.
Lewis-Skelly featured in all four of Arsenal’s preseason matches this summer and retained his position in the midfield despite rumors connecting him to Manchester United and Chelsea.
There are also uncertainties regarding the futures of Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri, both of whom were omitted from the squad entirely.
Earlier this week, Martinelli received a €45 million ($51.8m) offer from Galatasaray, and the Gunners are eager to enhance their left wing, reflected in their interest in Vinícius Júnior.
Nwaneri spent the latter half of last season on loan at Marseille, but struggled to secure playing time or make a significant impact in France. In a press conference on Friday, manager Mikel Arteta indicated that the 19-year-old has matured from his experience at the Stade Vélodrome but hinted at a potential summer transfer.
“I want him to stay with us, but what’s best for the player in the medium to long term? Ethan needs playing time, and if he stays here, it’s because we can ensure he’ll get those minutes,” he stated.
“Otherwise, it’s a situation that isn’t beneficial for anyone.”
– Live updates on Arsenal transfer news, rumors, and deals
– Live updates on Man United transfer news, rumors, and deals
– Live updates on Liverpool transfer news, rumors, and deals
The Community Shield marks Enzo Maresca’s first competitive match as the new head coach of Manchester City, who fielded a formidable lineup for the encounter in Cardiff.
Club-record signing Anderson made his debut in midfield, while Erling Haaland also made his first appearance since his remarkable World Cup performance.
Spain’s World Cup-winning captain Rodri was excluded from the squad, having returned to training only on Friday, amid ongoing interest from Barcelona.
Additionally, Savinho was also absent from the squad as speculation surrounding his future at the Etihad grows.