Arsenal thrash Manchester City 3-0 to win Community Shield
Arsenal made a statement of intent to kick off the new season, cruising to a comfortable 3-0 victory over Manchester City in the Community Shield at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, on a miserable afternoon for new City boss Enzo Maresca.
It took Arsenal just 23 seconds to break the deadlock, with Riccardo Calafiori coolly slotting beyond Gianluigi Donnarumma after a brilliant pass from Myles Lewis-Skelly, instantly setting the tone for what was to follow. The lightning start also served as a timely reminder of Lewis-Skelly’s quality, coming amid a week of speculation over his future at the club.
City, appointed under Maresca following Pep Guardiola’s departure, never recovered from the early setback. Arsenal doubled their lead just before the half-hour mark when Martin Odegaard was afforded too much space to cross for Christos Tzolis, who nodded the ball on for Kai Havertz to force home via a fumble from Donnarumma.
A third goal from Martin Odegaard rounded off a dominant display, with Mikel Arteta’s side rarely troubled throughout. Arsenal seldom looked like conceding, continuing a defensive solidity that was a hallmark of last season, and the manner of the win will only strengthen belief within the squad heading into the new campaign.
The result marks a chastening start for Maresca in charge of City, who looked disjointed and lacking intensity throughout the opening 45 minutes. Arsenal, meanwhile, head into the new Premier League season full of confidence, having claimed the traditional curtain-raiser in style and served early notice that they intend to defend their title with authority.
