Arsenal began the 2026-27 season with a title and a resounding victory. The team led by Mikel Arteta defeated Manchester City 3-0 in the Community Shield, played this Sunday at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, in a match that exposed the defensive difficulties of Enzo Maresca's team.
The result allowed the current Premier League champion to win the first trophy of the campaign against one of its main rivals in recent years. Although the Community Shield is usually played as a prelude to the championship and has less weight than other titles, Arsenal took advantage of the match to show clear superiority.
Manchester City, for its part, left doubts in its first official match of the season.
Arsenal struck early and sentenced in the second half
The advantage came just after 25 seconds. Myles Lewis-Skelly found Riccardo Calafiori with a pass between the lines, who was in front of goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and scored with precision to make it 1-0. The Italian defender later recognized his teammate's contribution in celebrating the goal.
Arsenal did not slow down and once again found space in the City defense. Half an hour into the game, a new combination ended with Kai Havertz appearing at the far post to connect with a header and widen the lead.
City had opportunities to react, especially through Erling Haaland, but the striker found himself with an inspired David Raya. The Spanish goalkeeper responded to the Manchester team's attempts and prevented the score from being adjusted before the break.
The story was practically defined at the beginning of the second half. Christos Tzolis, one of the additions made this summer, once again participated in a decisive action by providing an assist for Martin Odegaard. The Arsenal captain received in the area, left Josko Gvardiol behind and took advantage of a new early start from Donnarumma to score 3-0 in the 48th minute.
From that moment on, Arsenal controlled the match. From the stands of the Principality Stadium the 'oles' began to be heard as Arteta's team handled the ball and kept City away from a comeback.
The result also leaves under attention the beginning of Maresca's stage, who took on the challenge of replacing Pep Guardiola. The Italian will now have to prepare for the start of the Premier League, while the transfer market can still modify the squads.
Arsenal will open their league campaign on Friday against newly promoted Coventry City. Manchester City, on the other hand, will debut on Sunday against Bournemouth. In parallel, different movements remain on the table, including the possible departure of Rodri to Barcelona, City's interest in Enzo Fernández and Arsenal's monitoring of Julián Álvarez.
