The Chelsea ‘keeper wasn’t deadly from the spot.
Not even the most optimistic Arsenal fan will be reading too much into their Community Shield win over Chelsea, but it’s nice for the Gunners to pick up a piece of silverware as they continue their preparations for the Premier League opener against Leicester City on Friday night.
Aside from Per Mertesacker’s injury, Arsene Wenger will be extremely content to get a win over the champions as Sead Kolasinac – and his ‘interesting’ celebration – tied the match after Victor Moses’ opener.
Pedro’s red card was definitely a turning point as Wenger’s side began to get the upper hand, but despite having the numerical advantage, Arsenal were taken to penalties by Conte’s men.
With the new ABBA penalty system in place, Thibaut Courtois couldn’t answer Chelsea’s S.O.S as he skied his penalty over the bar.
The miss proved to be costly as the Gunners went on to win the shoot-out and lift the Community Shield.
Don't quit the day job ❌
Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois blazes his penalty over the bar during the shootout vs. Arsenal. pic.twitter.com/DtvPrq2Cz6
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) August 6, 2017
Ultimately, the winner takes it all and that’s the name of the game.
Given the fact that Cech and Courtois were former teammates at Stamford Bridge, the Arsenal ‘keeper has his own insights as to why the Belgian shot-stopper lost his nerve from 12 yards.
“Obviously we played together and we made a lot of challenges during the training session in the penalty shoot-outs so this is not usually where he shoots. So this is probably why he missed as normally he buries it in the top corner on the other side on the way I went so obviously maybe the fact we know each other and I know the players, maybe it made it more difficult for them.I hoped he was going to put it where I was going but obviously, you know…’ Cech said.
Chelsea start the defence of their Premier League crown at home to Burnley.
It’s safe to say that Courtois won’t be on penalty duty in that one.
