Arsène Wenger's winless streak against Jose Mourinho finally came to an end at Wembley, as Arsenal defeated Chelsea 1-0 to win the Community Shield for a second year in succession.

The Gunners were deserving winners in a hard-fought affair, to continue their terrific pre-season form. This victory underlines why Arsenal have been touted as genuine title contenders this season, but who were the stand-out performers for the North Londoners? We take a look with our player ratings.

Petr Cech- 8

Petr Cech’s first competitive game in an Arsenal shirt was a memorable affair, as he produced a commanding performance to help the Gunners to their first victory over Chelsea since 2011. Chelsea  only mustered the solitary shot on target, as their offensive threat was largely negated by a disciplined Arsenal defence. Cech did make a fine save from Oscar’s pin-point free-kick, whilst he was assertive and calm when claiming set piece deliveries. The Czech’s experience and composure could be invaluable to Arsenal’s title challenge this season.

Hector Bellerin- 7

Hector Bellerin was outstanding during the latter stages of last season, although he wasn’t at his best defensively at Wembley. Arsène Wenger highlighted the inadequate Wembley surface which appeared to disrupt both side’s passing sequences. Bellerin conceded possession in dangerous areas on a few occasions and was caught napping in certain stages of the first half.

Nevertheless, the young Spaniard was an important part of Arsenal’s resilient second-half display, coping exceedingly well with the threat of Eden Hazard. Bellerin also contributed to the winning goal; his intelligent run on the right flank created space for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to cut inside and shoot.

Per Mertesacker- 7.5

Arsenal’s German skipper was a key component of Arsenal’s tenacious defensive performance. Jose Mourinho’s side enjoyed 58% of possession, but they lacked penetration and incisiveness, creating very few clear-cut opportunities. Mertesacker used his height to his advantage from set-pieces, whilst also making some key interceptions against both Loic Remy and Radamel Falcao. He looked assured and confident; his intelligent positioning ensured that his lack of pace was not exposed by the pacy trio of Hazard, Willian and Remy.

Laurent Koscielny- 9

Laurent Koscielny must be one of the most underrated central defenders in European football. The Frenchman provides a particularly effective foil for Mertesacker, but Koscielny was arguably the North Londoners’ standout performer in the soaring Wembley sun. Koscielny is such an authoritative figure and he reads the game impeccably well.

He made some vital interceptions to thwart Chelsea counter-attacks and his attempted last-ditch challenge on Eden Hazard certainly pressured the Belgian into blazing his effort over the bar. It’s no coincidence that when Koscielny returned to fitness last November, Arsenal’s form improved.

Nacho Monreal- 7

Nacho Monreal established himself as Arsenal’s first choice left-back last season and he was given the vote of confidence ahead of Kieran Gibbs this afternoon. His performance was not particularly eye-catching, yet it was mightily effective.

He significantly limited the threat of Willian and Branislav Ivanovic on the left-flank, whilst he got forward to support the likes of Mesut Ozil and Santi Cazorla at every opportunity. He made a few unnecessary and clumsy fouls in the latter stages of the contest, but fatigue was probably a factor in that.

Francis Coquelin- 8

Francis Coquelin played an instrumental role in Arsenal’s remarkable revival from January onwards last season. His tenacity, discipline and intensity breathed fresh life into the Arsenal midfield and this was illustrated in Arsenal’s victory and attitude. Their soft-centre has been questioned continuously over recent seasons, but they relentlessly closed down Chelsea and suffocated their creative forces.

Coquelin led by example in that respect, breaking up the play superbly to frustrate the Blues. Coquelin’s influence will be vital if Arsenal are to sustain a title challenge this season.

Aaron Ramsey- 7

Aaron Ramsey was deployed in his preferred central midfield role against last year’s champions and he revelled in this extra responsibility. His distribution was far from flawless, but he still played a pivotal role in Arsenal’s most dangerous attacks.

His one-touch instinctive movement helped the Gunners to stretch Chelsea’s pedestrian backline, and the Welshman came close to scoring in the closing stages of the first-half, blasting his shot into the side netting. He was typically industrious and combative in the tackle, complementing Coquelin very effectively against the Chelsea duo of Nemanja Matic and Ramires.

Santi Cazorla- 7.5

The mercurial Spaniard made a telling contribution in the first-half of the contest, although his influence gradually waned as the encounter progressed. Despite this, he is still capable of producing moments of sheer class, even when he featured less prominently in the second half. His no-look volleyed pass in the first-half was superb, whilst he also delivered a fantastic no-look incisive through-ball to Kieran Gibbs in the closing stages, but the England left-back was expertly thwarted by Thibaut Courtois.

Mesut Ozil- 7

Mesut Ozil was deployed out-wide, to compensate for both Aaron Ramsey and Santi Cazorla, but he still performed to a good level, displaying tremendous awareness and vision. He delivered a fantastic long-field pass that led to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s goal. It’s noticeable how the enigmatic German has improved the physical aspect of his game; he is no longer pushed off the ball with ease, and his close control was fantastic, especially under the intense scrutiny of Ivanovic and Ramires.

He also put in a good shift for the side; as the Gunner’s attacking opportunities became increasingly sporadic as they aimed to preserve their 1-0 lead. You get the sense that this could be a defining season in Mesut Ozil’s Arsenal career.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain- 8

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was Arsenal’s match winner, as the Gunners secured their sixth Community Shield under Arsene Wenger’s stewardship. Last year, the talented England international endured a frustrating campaign plagued by injuries. He scored just three goals in all competitions and has pledged to significantly improve his tally this season.

His goal was fantastic; cutting inside Cesar Azpilicueta with consummate ease, before giving Courtois no chance with his blistering rising effort. Wenger consciously opted for a pacy offence, with Theo Walcott adopting the centre forward role, and Oxlade-Chamberlain’s  electric pace causing Chelsea constant problems on the counter attack.

Theo Walcott-7

Theo Walcott’s fantastic end-of season form last term earned him a starting berth against Arsenal’s title rivals. Walcott has been outspoken in his desire to play in a more central role, although his impact was limited against Mourinho’s men. He was clearly eager to impress, closing down the Chelsea defenders at will and forcing errors in their distribution.

Yet, in terms of clear-cut chances, he received a limited supply. He claimed the assist for Oxlade-Chamberlain’s goal, before he was replaced by Olivier Giroud just after the hour mark. It remains to be seen whether Walcott will retain a spot as Arsenal’s first-choice forward, but he looks sharp and hungry to succeed.

Substitutes:

Olivier Giroud- 7

It must have been frustrating for Olivier Giroud to have been left out, particularly considering the fact that he was benched in May’s FA Cup victory against Aston Villa. John Terry and Gary Cahill would not have relished the pace of Walcott, which is why Giroud was left out, but he produced an impressive 25 minute cameo. His movement is extremely intelligent; he had two excellent chances within five minutes of coming on, but he was lacking that killer instinct in front of goal.

The Frenchman gives Wenger greater quality both offensively and defensively from set-pieces, whilst also providing a focal point to Arsenal’s attack; which is imperative when trying to retain possession.

Mikel Arteta- N/A

Mikel Arteta came on in the closing stages to replace Alex-Oxlade-Chamberlain. Playing alongside Coquelin; Arteta provided the Gunners with greater defensive solidity and some much-needed experience. He became instantly accustomed to the intense nature of the contest; going up against Radamel Falcao in a heated exchange.

Kieran Gibbs- N/A

Gibbs replaced Mesut Ozil with just minutes remaining. Gibbs adopted a role on the left-wing to give Arsenal’s left-side added defensive stability. Ironically, his most tangible contribution came in an attacking sense, as he was on the end of Cazorla’s incisive through-ball, only for his effort to be saved by Courtois. Gibbs will have a tough task to reclaim his first-team spot back from the ever-improving Nacho Monreal.

Arsène Wenger- 9

Arsène Wenger finally ended his hoodoo against Jose Mourinho; defeating the effusive Portuguese at the 14th attempt. Wenger’s tactical approach was spot on; the Gunners matched Chelsea in their pressing, intensity and defensive discipline, but they ultimately possessed greater quality and threat offensively. Wenger’s decision to start Theo Walcott was vindicated; both Terry and Cahill were unsettled with his movement and pace in behind.

When Chelsea were threatening a potential equaliser, the Frenchman made tactical changes that stifled their momentum effectively. Arsenal’s legendary manager has endured some disrespectful jibes from Mourinho in the recent past, so victory at Wembley will have been an extremely satisfying tonic to begin their 2015/16 campaign.

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About the author
Joshua Gorton
19-year-old Sports Journalist. Big passion for football; focusing primarily on Arsenal! www.vavel.com/joshuagorton95