Arsenal made a powerful statement ahead of the new season, thrashing Manchester City 3-0 in the Community Shield at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium.
Mikel Arteta’s side dominated from the opening whistle, taking the lead after just 23 seconds through Riccardo Calafiori. Miles Lewis-Skelly turned past Phil Foden before slipping a superb pass into Calafiori’s path, with the Italian calmly beating Gianluigi Donnarumma.
City struggled to find their rhythm as Arsenal maintained the pressure. David Raya saved well from Phil Foden, while Gabriel dealt with a dangerous run from Jeremy Doku as Arsenal’s defence kept the Premier League champions at bay.
Arsenal doubled their advantage before half-time when Martin Odegaard found Christos Tzolis at the back post. Tzolis headed the ball back into the path of Kai Havertz, who bundled his effort past Donnarumma to make it 2-0.
Manchester City tried to respond after the break, but Arsenal remained in control. Erling Haaland was denied by Raya, while Ben White produced an important block to prevent Doku from reducing the deficit.
Enzo Maresca introduced Jack Grealish in an attempt to change the game, but Arsenal struck again. Odegaard brilliantly beat Donnarumma before finishing to make it 3-0 and complete the rout.
The defeat marked a painful first major test for Maresca since replacing Pep Guardiola, with City looking disjointed and sluggish against an Arsenal side that appeared sharper and more determined.
For Arteta, the victory added another trophy to his growing collection and further strengthened Arsenal’s confidence ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
Although only one of the previous 15 Community Shield winners went on to win the Premier League title that season, Arsenal’s emphatic performance has already sent a warning to their rivals that they intend to challenge for the biggest prizes this season.
