A stunning first half strike from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was enough to hand Arsenal the perfect start to the new season with a 1-0 victory over Premier League champions Chelsea in the Community Shield on Sunday evening.
The 2014-15 FA Cup winners defeated the Blues in the English season curtain raiser, putting in a fine display suggesting that Jose Mourinho’s side will have tough competition from their London rivals in the season which commences this coming weekend.
Oxlade-Chamberlain’s goal was worthy of a title encounter, with the 21-year-old controlling a pass from Theo Walcott before cutting past Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta and unleashing a fearsome shot into the top corner of Thibaut Courtois’ goal.
The win is the first in 14 matches between Mourinho and Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger to end in favour of the Frenchman. Arsenal keeper Petr Cech was in an unfamiliar situation, playing against his former team for the first time as the last line of defence for the Gunners, and his influence was important, as his new side emerged victorious.
Across the English channel in France, Paris Saint-Germain retained the Trophée des Champions (French Supercup) with a thrilling 2-0 victory over Olympique Lyonnais.
Ivorian defender Serge Aurier contributed in both halves of the pitch, putting in a fine defensive display and scoring a goal in the early stages of the game.
A header from the pillar at the back in the 11th minute after an excellent cross from Brazilian David Luiz sent the Parisians in front, and Edison Cavani completed the victory to make it 2-0.
