Arsenal sealed a confidence-boosting victory over Premier League champions Liverpool in the Community Shield on Saturday.Mikel Arteta’s side were the underdogs at Wembley but took the lead in the 12th minute courtesy of a superb strike from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.Takumi Minamino’s second-half strike levelled the scores before the match was settled on penalties.Rhian Brewster was the only player to miss his spot-kick during the shoot-out, which meant the Gunners lifted the first trophy of the 2020-21 campaign.Emi Martinez was in goal for Arsenal ahead of No. 1 Bernd Leno and fans spotted what the Argentine ‘keeper said to Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk just before the shoot-out.
In footage posted on social media, Van Dijk wins the coin toss and is asked by referee Andre Marriner whether he wants Liverpool to shoot first or second.The Dutchman confirms that he wants his team to go first, but this prompts an interesting response from the Arsenal shot-stopper.Martinez, looking directly at Van Dijk, appears to say: “You sure? Are you sure?”Aubameyang’s face was an absolute picture…
Watch the footage here...
The South American was clearly trying his best to get inside Van Dijk’s head.
Martinez failed to make a save during the shoot-out but still lifted the Community Shield after Brewster’s effort smashed the crossbar.
The 27-year-old has become something of a hero with fans in recent weeks after helping the Gunners win the FA Cup at the start of August and his emotional reaction afterwards.
But recent reports suggest Arteta could offload Martinez, with Aston Villa one of the sides reportedly keen on securing the goalkeeper’s signature.
“Emi has shown in the last few months what he is able to do for this football club,” Arteta told reporters, per Goal.com, after beating Liverpool. “I am convinced that he has the level to play for us consistently at that level.
“He showed that today in a final. But I cannot stop the speculation. That is something I cannot stop and what other people can write about us.”