It rarely sets the tone for the season ahead and it may not be considered a major trophy by many but, in the context of how last season ended for Arsenal, the psychological impact of their Community Shield win against Manchester City on Sunday should not be underestimated.
After Cole Palmer's stunning goal, the Gunners battled back through Leandro Trossard's last-gasp equaliser before Kevin de Bruyne and Rodri missed spot-kicks in the shootout and Arsenal converted all of theirs to secure the first piece of silverware of the season.
Arsenal led the Premier League for 248 days last season - no side has spent as long at the summit of the English top flight and failed to win it - but as Mikel Arteta's side capitulated, City charged to stage a successful defence of the title.
On top of that they appeared to have no answer to City throughout last season. They faced them three times - twice in the Premier League and once in the FA Cup - and they lost all three by an aggregate scoreline of 8-2.
In fact, the Gunners had lost their last nine matches against the champions.
To finally get one over their rivals, no matter the competition, was critical for Arsenal to ensure they are not mentally beaten before they even take to the pitch against Guardiola's side.
"It's a statement," Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale told ITV. "It's a marker to know we can go and beat Manchester City in a big game when it matters.
"I'm not sure what it'll be like this season. But that mental block is gone. We're ready to push on now."
Arteta, too, was encouraged by the result.
"We showed again that we can compete against an incredible team," he told BBC Radio 5 live.
"There will be so many problems and challenges ahead but we did very well."
