Arsenal made a commanding start to the new English season, beating Manchester City 3-0 in the Community Shield as Mikel Arteta’s side underlined their hunger for more silverware.
The Gunners needed just 24 seconds to take the lead, with Riccardo Calafiori finishing calmly after a clever pass from Myles Lewis-Skelly. It was the fastest Community Shield goal since 1968.
Arsenal doubled their advantage in the 27th minute when Kai Havertz headed home from close range after Tzolis’ delivery created confusion in the City defence.
Manchester City struggled to match Arsenal’s intensity and cohesion, while striker Erling Haaland endured a quiet first half and missed two chances.
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard added a third three minutes after the interval, weaving through the City defence before rounding goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and finishing from close range.
The victory provided a major boost for Arsenal ahead of their Premier League opener against promoted Coventry on Aug 21, while new City boss Enzo Maresca was handed an early warning about the challenge facing his side.
The triumph also strengthened Arteta’s belief that his players remain motivated after their Champions League final defeat by Paris Saint-Germain on penalties in May.
Arsenal’s victory marked their 18th Community Shield triumph. Historically, only Manchester City among the previous 15 Community Shield winners have gone on to claim the Premier League title in the same season.
