英超2017社区盾杯(2017英超社区盾杯：草根足球狂欢)

Introduction

The English Community Shield, also known as the Charity Shield, is an annual football match played between the reigning Premier League champions and the FA Cup winners at the beginning of the season. The 2017 Community Shield saw Arsenal, the FA Cup winners, take on Chelsea, the Premier League champions, in a highly anticipated matchup. The match turned out to be an exciting display of grassroots football.

Arsenal vs. Chelsea

Both teams came into the match with a point to prove. Arsenal, after finishing fifth in the league and missing out on Champions League qualification, were looking to start the season on a high note, while Chelsea, who had just snapped up a number of high-profile players, were eager to show that they were still the team to beat. The match began with Arsenal taking the lead through a headed goal from new signing Sead Kolasinac. Chelsea, however, equalized shortly thereafter through striker Michy Batshuayi. The game remained level until penalties.

Penalty Shootout

The final result of the match was decided by penalties. Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech was the hero of the shootout, as he saved two of Chelsea's penalties to give Arsenal a 4-1 victory. Chelsea's goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, was left to rue his inability to stop any of Arsenal's penalties. The match may have been just a warm-up for the season ahead, but the result gave Arsenal renewed confidence and a sense of momentum.

The Significance of the Community Shield

The Community Shield is often seen as a friendly game with little significance. However, it has immense value in building team morale and camaraderie. The match gives players the opportunity to test their abilities against a top-quality opposition, and it is a chance to get valuable minutes on the pitch before the start of the season. Additionally, the Community Shield is a charity event, with proceeds going to selected community organizations. It is a showcase of grassroots football and a celebration of the sport at its most accessible level.

Conclusion

The 2017 Community Shield was a fitting curtain-raiser for the season, with two of the biggest teams in English football battling it out in front of a packed Wembley Stadium. The game was a demonstration of the talent and passion that makes English football the most-watched and most-loved sport in the world. It also showed that, in addition to being a source of entertainment, football has the ability to bring people together and make a difference in the lives of others.