Wenger: Win shows we can now beat elite opposition

Arsene Wenger admitted Arsenal couldn’t afford to lose their Community Shield clash with Manchester City if they are to end their dismal run against their main rivals in the Premier League title race.

Crushing defeats at City, Liverpool and Chelsea contributed to Arsenal’s failure to sustain their championship challenge last season but yesterday’s 3-0 victory strengthened Wenger’s belief his side can compete on equal terms.

“That’s why it was important for us today, not to lose the game,” said the manager. “Last year we were very consistent against some teams and not consistent against top-six teams. The year before, it was the reverse.

“It’s hoped that this year it will be right on both sides.”

Arsenal were in control after goals from Santi Cazorla and Aaron Ramsey gave them a half-time advantage before Olivier Giroud completed the scoring on the hour.

Wenger added: “I felt we had the complete performance in the first half. As long as we had the legs to sustain what we wanted to do. In the second half our togetherness and the third goal got us through.

“The win gives us a positive platform for the season. Now the Premier League starts and we have to start well at home against Crystal Palace. It’s a derby, a very uncomfortable team. It will be a different kind of game. Let’s be on our toes and prepare well.

“It was important to win today. You want to win the game and you want to look at the quality of performance as well. It was important for our confidence to win the game and it was even more important to have a big part in the game with quality. That is a comfort to me, to see that we can produce the kind of quality we have produced for some long patches in the game.”

Wenger also revealed Mikel Arteta will skipper the side. Asked who will replace Thomas Vermaelen, he said: “1. Arteta, 2. Mertesacker.”

Manuel Pellegrini admitted his side faces a test to be ready for Sunday’s trip to Newcastle. “Some players.. Bacary Sagna, Vincent Company, Sergio Aguero, Martin Demichelis, Pablo Zabaleta... just arrived seven days ago and started working on Monday so weren’t considered for this game. They have just 15 days before we start the Premier League. We will see during the week which ones are ready and which are not.”

Willy Caballero started in goal ahead of Joe Hart but Pellegrini refused to be drawn on who would be his number one. “Let’s see at Newcastle,” he said.