Three reasons why Arsenal need to beat Chelsea in Community Shield

Psychological edge over Mourinho

Arsenal manager Arsenal Wenger has been involved in a plethora of venomous exchanges with Chelsea’s Jose Mourinho ever since the latter’s first spell at Chelsea back in 2004/05. And with the Stamford Bridge boss reopening those wounds earlier this week by calling out their London rivals for attempting to buy the Premier League title, Wenger will no doubt privately be incensed that Mourinho’s mind-games are back underway ahead of the new season. But the Frenchman hasn’t given the Blues boss a reason to bring an end to his mischievous comments. With Wenger yet to win a match against Mourinho’s side in 13 attempts, the former Inter Milan and Real Madrid boss has every reason to believe that he has the psychological edge over his rival. Chelsea are the current Premier League champions which makes them a target for the Gunners if they are to mount any genuine attempt at a title challenge – and to get a win over Mourinho, even in a low-prestige match like the Community Shield. It could provide pivotal momentum for Arsenal to claim their first league championship in over a decade.

Arsenal players need to prove to themselves

Like their manager’s battle with his nemesis, the Gunners need to prove to themselves that they can topple the reigning league champions in order to stand any chance of maintaining an assault on top spot. The Gunners will want to make a statement and that will begin in the pre-season with a win over Chelsea. At the same time, if Arsenal do claim victory, it should not be seen as a guaranteed statement of success – but it will provide a strong foundation for the forthcoming campaign. And if they can manage to acquire a top-class striker before the end of the transfer window, then they will be impeccably placed for a run at the Premier League top spot.

Give the fans belief

On a realistic level, no Arsenal fan would consider lifting the Community Shield as on par with lifting a competitive trophy. But if the Gunners can come out and outplay their opponents at Wembley on Sunday, and earn the win, it’ll give the fans a real belief that they can end their eleven-year Premier League drought. Wenger’s sides have recently been accused of lacking the spirit, steel and experience required to win the league in recent years. With the FA Cup victories over 2014 and 2015, however, the north Londoners now have a greater awareness as to the mental state required to claim trophies. And beating Chelsea in the season’s curtain raiser could give their spirit a gigantic boost, especially as it is imperative to start the campaign in top form to stand any chance.