Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji was delighted with his side’s efforts as the Premier League champions overcame Manchester United in the Community Shield.
The Red Devils looked to have won it in the final 10 minutes when Alejandro Garnacho netted in front of the travelling fans.
But substitute Bernardo Silva levelled two minutes from time, heading past Andre Onana to take the game straight to penalties.
It looked bleak for City after Silva missed his spot-kick, but a great save from Ederson to keep out Jadon Sancho’s effort gave the team renewed hope.
And when Jonny Evans skied his penalty, all Akanji had to do was step up and score.
It is easier said than done, especially considering the Swiss international missed against England during Euro 2024 this summer.
But he had no such problems under the arch and admitted after the match that it is a good start to the season.
“It’s a great start to the season!”
Manuel Akanji reflects on Man City’s Community Shield victory over Man Utd 🏆#ITVFOOTBALL | #COMMUNITYSHIELD PIC.TWITTER.COM/KV2A8UGHT6
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) AUGUST 10, 2024
Speaking to ITV Sport, he said: “I let the others shoot first because obviously when you miss a penalty, you don’t go into the next one with that much confidence.
“I told Ederson I would shoot it down the middle in training so I did it and it went in.
“It wasn’t easy. We played well, United got a bit better before it went to 1-0.
“Then it was a great cross from Oscar [Bobb] and Bernardo’s header.
“Ederson is probably the best penalty taker in our team, Erling [Haaland] as well. When Ederson takes the penalty I know it is a goal.
“It is a great start to the season, I haven’t won the Community Shield yet so I’m really happy that I got this trophy as well and we look forward to hopefully win the next one soon.”
It is the first time City have won the trophy in the last three years and it makes up for last season’s loss to Arsenal.
They will now prepare for their Premier League opener against Chelsea next weekend.
