Arsenal have defeated Manchester City to claim the Community Shield, the Premier League curtain-raiser, following a 3-0 dismantling at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
Arsenal led Manchester City 2-0 at the end of the first half in a commanding display against Pep Guardiola’s former side, now under the management of former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca.
The Gunners needed just one minute to break the deadlock, with Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori firing Arsenal into an early lead.
Kai Havertz then doubled Arsenal’s advantage in the 28th minute with a brilliant strike, leaving City with a mountain to climb before the break.
Despite trailing, City enjoyed slightly more of the ball, controlling 58% possession compared to Arsenal’s 42%.
Arsenal, however, were more clinical in front of goal, creating three big chances and converting two, while City managed just one big chance in the opening 45 minutes.
Arsenal returned for the second half brilliantly and extended their lead to 3-0, this time through captain Martin Ødegaard. The game ended 3-0, with the Gunners doing the majority of the damage in the first half.
The victory will add another piece of silverware to Mikel Arteta’s collection at Arsenal, taking his trophy tally to five since he took charge. The Spaniard has now won the FA Cup, three Community Shields and the Premier League title.
Last season, the Gunners ended their 22-year wait for the Premier League title and reached the UEFA Champions League final for the first time since losing to Barcelona in 2006. They have now started the new campaign by beating Manchester City 3-0 to lift another trophy. It is an early statement that Arsenal are not coming into this season simply to defend their crown, they want more.
