Community Shield: Key talking points as Man City face Arsenal in season curtain-raiser

Last season’s treble winners Manchester City face Premier League runners-up Arsenal on Sunday in the FA Community Shield at Wembley (7pm UAE).

Here we look at five key talking points ahead of the traditional curtain-raiser for the English top-flight season.

The Gunners were rocked this week when it transpired leading striker Gabriel Jesus needed minor knee surgery and will now miss the opening weeks of the season.

That raises the question of who will deputise for the Brazil international, who last term contributed 11 goals and seven assists in 26 league games – a goal or an assist every 115 minutes.

Typically, in 2022-23, it was Eddie Nketiah who stepped up, but the academy product is without a goal in almost 10 hours of competitive football dating back to January.

A popular solution for supporters would be shifting Gabriel Martinelli into the middle and starting Leandro Trossard – the Belgian has sparkled in pre-season – on the left of the attack.

New signing Kai Havertz performed the central role frequently for former club Chelsea and could do so again here. Folarin Balogun, who scored 22 times on loan at Reims last season, is a wild card but his exit seems ever more likely with Inter Milan set to firm up their interest.

As Arsenal shuffle the pack to cover their central striking position, there are no such issues for City, who will again look to the totemic Erling Haaland.

Around him, though, the Blues' creative hub could be set for a refresh. Riyad Mahrez has left for Saudi Pro League Al Ahli while Ilkay Gundogan has joined Barcelona, a club who continue to covet Bernardo Silva. Meanwhile, Kevin De Bruyne, a doubt for today’s game with a hamstring injury, at 32, could see his game time more carefully managed.

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