First title decided with new penalty shoot-out format

Giroud scored the decisive penalty.

The suggestion made by UEFA some months ago is a reality. After playing 90 minutes and with 1-1 on the scoreboard, Chelsea and Arsenal went straight to the shoot-out, which saw a title decided for the first time with the new system.

The new format for understanding shoot-outs is far from the previous model. UEFA, to avoid the higher pressure subjected to the second penalty-taker, decided that instead of continuing with the ‘ABAB’ system, an ‘ABBA’ approach should be taken.

Chelsea began the shoot-out. Cahill scored to make it 1-0, and Arsenal responded with two consecutive shots, converted by Walcott and Monreal. Chelsea then threw away the competition with the subsequent two efforts.

Firstly, Courtois blazed his kick over the bar before Morata sent his shot wide. The Gunners did not waste the two opportunities and Oxlade-Chamberlain and Olivier Giroud sent Courtois the wrong way to give Arsenal their first trophy of the season… and the first title in the history of England decided under this format.

Sporting Tribune