Arsenal have won the Community Shield for the 18th time after defeating Manchester City 3-0 at the Principality Stadium, also known as the Millennium Stadium, in Cardiff, Wales.
The Gunners made a blistering start, taking the lead just 23 seconds into the match through Riccardo Calafiori, who finished clinically after being set up by Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Mikel Arteta’s side doubled their advantage in the 28th minute after Martin Ødegaard delivered a deep cross towards the far post. Christos Tzolis headed the ball down into the path of Kai Havertz, who calmly finished past Manchester City’s new goalkeeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Arsenal went into half-time with a 2-0 lead after producing an impressive first-half display.
The north London side extended their advantage three minutes after the restart when Tzolis claimed his second assist of the match. The summer signing threaded a pass through the City defence for captain Ødegaard, who calmly beat Donnarumma to make it 3-0.
The victory secured Arsenal’s 18th Community Shield triumph and provided Arteta’s team with a strong statement ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
Arsenal’s other major summer signing, Bruno Guimarães, also made his debut after completing a £75 million move from Newcastle United. The midfielder settled into Arteta’s side with an assured display.
Tzolis, who joined Arsenal from Club Brugge for £34 million, was particularly impressive on his competitive debut, contributing two assists.
Manchester City also handed a debut to new signing Elliot Anderson, who arrived from Nottingham Forest for a reported £116 million, making him the most expensive British player in football history.
The defeat also marked a disappointing start for Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca, who succeeded Pep Guardiola. The result means Arteta remains unbeaten against Maresca after four meetings, recording two wins and two draws.
Arsenal will now turn their attention to the Premier League, where they begin their title defence at home against newly promoted Coventry City at the Emirates Stadium on Friday, August 21.
Manchester City will open their league campaign at home against AFC Bournemouth on Sunday, August 23.
