Arsenal sweep aside Man City to win Community Shield
*Arsenal’s Norwegian midfielder #08 Martin Odegaard prepares to shoot to score their third goal during the English FA Community Shield football match between Arsenal and Manchester City at The Principality Stadium, in Cardiff, south Wales on August 16, 2026. (Photo by Adrian Dennis / AFP)
Arsenal opened their season with a commanding 3-0 victory over Manchester City to lift the Community Shield at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on Sunday.
The Premier League champions made a blistering start, taking the lead inside the opening minute when Riccardo Calafiori finished after Myles Lewis-Skelly carved open the City defence with a well-weighted pass.
Arsenal doubled their advantage in the 28th minute. Martin Ødegaard delivered a cross towards the far post, and Christos Tzolis headed it back into the danger area for Kai Havertz to rise above the City defence and nod home.
Manchester City struggled to match Arsenal’s tempo and offered little going forward, with Erling Haaland largely subdued throughout the contest.
Arsenal extended their lead three minutes after the restart when Tzolis released Ødegaard, who surged through the City defence before calmly finishing past Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Tzolis was among Arsenal’s outstanding performers, providing two assists as Mikel Arteta’s side maintained their grip on a match they dominated for long periods.
The victory gives Arsenal an early boost ahead of their Premier League title defence and underlines their determination to build on last season’s success.
New signing Bruno Guimarães also impressed in midfield, adding composure and energy to an Arsenal side that looked well organised and confident.
For Enzo Maresca, the defeat was a sobering start to his tenure as City manager following Pep Guardiola’s departure. His side struggled to match Arsenal’s intensity and cohesion.
Arsenal will begin their Premier League title defence at home to promoted Coventry City on August 21, while City host Bournemouth two days later.
The Community Shield success provides Arteta’s side with their first silverware of the new campaign and strengthens expectations that Arsenal could remain a major force in English football this season.
