The unfriendliest of friendlies

By Mac Johnson (Deputy Editor)

Much was made about Xavi Hernández's comments after Arsenal triumphed 5-3 over a nearly full strength Barcelona side a week ago Wednesday. For those who have not read them (somehow), this is what the Blaugrana legend had to say when asked if the match was too intense.

"Not ours, but Arsenal's, yes. It is not normal to play with so much intensity, making tactical fouls.... Everyone wants to compete, but it is a friendly. They were playing with another level of intensity. We took it seriously but the main reason [for losing] was the difference in rhythm and match sharpness."

Well, Señor Hernández, be prepared for a rude awakening. Those levels of intensity are paltry, even miserable, compared to this weekend's spectacle of football. And no, I'm not talking about the USWNT vs Sweden in the World Cup, though that is an undeniably more important fixture.

On Sunday, Arsenal face Manchester City in the FA Community Shield. Traditionally, the competition is played between the respective winners of the Premier League and FA Cup. However, Manchester City cannot play themselves, and so Arsenal are shoehorned into a chance at a trophy, by dint of their second place finish in England's top flight.

The Community Shield is not one of England's major trophies. Some would call it a glorified friendly, an exhibition match with meaningless silverware at the end, much like the Festival of Football, Made In Singapore, Tiger Beer Tiger Cup that is currently befriending cobwebs in Spurs' trophy cabinet. Others might at least consider it a good barometer for the season, given it traditionally occupies the last weekend before the Premier League's opening weekend.

But make no mistake, this match will be nothing short of electric. It is a clash of giants, a tussle of titans, and realistically, a look at the two teams most likely to win the title this season, both on last season's merit and because of the squads they have assembled.

Arsenal have addressed notable weaknesses this summer, recruiting a world class holding midfielder in Declan Rice, a fluid, dynamic attacker (and a possible Granit Xhaka replacement) in Kai Havertz, and a versatile defender in Jurrien Timber, who augments our tactical flexibility and optimizes squad depth.

And though our preseason has been a time of learning and development, with new signings bedding in and new tactics on display, the promise has already shown. It's nothing like the barnstorming efforts of last campaign, but I think there's something to be said for building this campaign at a slower pace, especially if avoiding a breakneck charge early helps Arsenal retain longevity into the end of the season, something we failed at last spring.

Manchester City are a familiar opponent, if not a comfortable one. Our track record against the Sky Blues is miserable, and they have gone from strength to strength during their preseason, replacing the crucial Ilkay Gündogan with Matteo Kovacic, and recruiting the services of Josko Gvardiol—one of the world's most promising young defenders—for a nearly world-record fee.

Fresh off the back of an historic Treble, and arguably the best team world football has ever seen, Manchester City are the odds-on favorites to win. But Arsenal will not back down from the challenge. Mikel Arteta had this to say on the match.

"We're very excited to play a final and have the opportunity to win a trophy against a team that is the team to beat. They were the best team in Europe last season, and we know what the standards are and how we need to win the game, but we're very excited."

The opportunity to test ourselves against the world's best will not be a quiet affair. A team with ultimate ambition versus a team defending the crown of crowns. Who could ask for more? It will be the unfriendliest of friendlies.

So you can shove your over-intensity where the sun don't shine, Xavi. Because Arsenal will face one of the staunchest tests of this season before the season even begins. Before Nottingham Forest. Before our first UCL draw in nearly a decade. Before 38 pulsating matchweeks of Premier League football. Before a campaign that will hopefully put last season to shame. Intensity will be the name of the game, and if your boys can't bring it, then that's just too bad.

We can, and we will. Mark my words.