Manchester City clinch FA Community Shield with 7-6 win on penalties

With their victory against Manchester United on penalties on Saturday, Premier League winners Manchester City won the FA Community Shield 2024. Following ninety minutes of open play, the game was tied at one goal until Pep Guardiola's City defeated cross-town rivals United 7–6 on penalties.

Erik Ten Hag's team took the lead in the 82nd minute through a goal from Alejandro Garnacho, however birthday boy Bernardo Silva leveled the score in the 89th, forcing penalties. In the customary opening match of the English soccer season, which pitted the winners of the previous season's Premier League (City) against FA Cup (United), City broke a streak of three straight losses. Over the previous three years, Pep Guardiola's club has lost to Leicester, Liverpool, and Arsenal.

Alejandro Garnacho, a second-half substitute, appeared to be giving United another Wembley victory against its neighbor when he cut inside and blasted a low drive inside the near post during the 82nd minute. During the 89th minute, Oscar Bobb's cross was headed home by fellow substitute Bernardo Silva to give City an equalizer. Since the Community Shield does not offer more time, the game immediately moved to penalties. 

On City's first attempt, Bernardo Silva saw Andre Onana save his shot. Ederson deflected Jadon Sancho's fourth attempt into the post. Sancho, one of three players from England who missed the shootout defeat to Italy during the Euro 2020 final at Wembley, had more sorrow from penalties.

Who scored the winning penalty to settle the Community Shield final?

Manuel Akanji had an opportunity to win it for City when Manchester United centre-back Jonny Evans, who was the team's eighth penalty taker, chipped his attempt over the crossbar. The center back attempted a kick to his right versus England in Dusseldorf, but Jordan Pickford saved it. Nevertheless, he lifted the ball down to the middle underneath the crossbar this time.

Despite the UEFA Euro 2024 and Copa America 2024 final, United played an almost full strength squad, while City was still missing a number of important players. John Stones, Kyle Walker, Phil Foden, Rodri, and Kevin De Bruyne were absent, whereas Kevin De Bruyne was a late replacement after starting on the bench.