Arsenal made a strong statement ahead of the new Premier League season with a convincing 3-0 victory over Manchester City in the Community Shield at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on Sunday.
Mikel Arteta’s side needed just 24 seconds to take the lead through Riccardo Calafiori before Kai Havertz doubled the advantage in the first half.
Martin Odegaard added a third after the break as Arsenal dominated a disjointed City side and claimed the trophy in emphatic fashion.
The victory also gave Arteta the opportunity to showcase Arsenal’s new signings, with Bruno Guimaraes and Christos Tzolis making notable contributions. Guimaraes, signed from Newcastle for £75 million, impressed in midfield, while Tzolis provided two assists.
Arsenal started the match with remarkable intensity, taking the lead when Myles Lewis-Skelly split the City defence with a well-weighted pass for Calafiori. The defender raced through and calmly finished past Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The goal was reportedly the fastest in the Community Shield since 1968.
Arsenal doubled their advantage in the 27th minute when Odegaard delivered a cross towards the far post. Tzolis headed the ball back into the six-yard box, where Havertz rose above Ruben Dias to score.
City struggled to create a response, with new signing Elliot Anderson unable to make a significant impact in midfield, while Erling Haaland missed two chances in the opening half.
Arsenal continued their dominance after the break and extended their lead in the 48th minute.
Tzolis played the ball into Odegaard’s path, allowing the Arsenal captain to weave through the City defence before producing a clever finish to make it 3-0.
The result provided an early warning to Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca, who faces the challenge of closing the gap on Arsenal after City finished seven points behind the champions last season.
Arsenal, meanwhile, will begin their first season as English champions since 2004-05 as favourites to retain the Premier League title.
Arteta has insisted his players remain hungry for more silverware, with their Champions League final defeat by Paris Saint-Germain on penalties in May providing additional motivation.
The Gunners will begin their Premier League title defence against promoted Coventry at the Emirates Stadium on August 21, while Manchester City will host Bournemouth two days later.
Arsenal’s victory marked their 18th Community Shield triumph and strengthened their status as one of the leading contenders for major honours this season.
