Arsenal sweep aside Manchester City to lift Community Shield

Arsenal began the new season with silverware after a commanding 3-0 victory over Manchester City in the Community Shield at the Principality Stadium on Sunday.

Riccardo Calafiori gave the Gunners the perfect start, scoring inside the opening minute after being released by a through ball from Myles Lewis-Skelly. The defender created space away from his marker before placing a low finish into the far corner.

Arsenal doubled their advantage before the half-hour mark when Christos Tzolis delivered a cutback across the face of goal. Kai Havertz met the ball with a header and sent it beyond the reach of Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

The fixture, traditionally regarded as the opening match of the English top-flight season, brought together the Premier League champions and the winners of the Emirates FA Cup. The latter are now managed by Enzo Maresca following the departure of Pep Guardiola.

Manchester City had an opportunity to reduce the deficit 10 minutes before the interval. Jeremy Doku cut the ball back from the left and Erling Haaland struck first time inside the penalty area, but determined Arsenal defending prevented the Norway striker from finding the net.

Arsenal nearly added a third before the break. Havertz’s quick effort was pushed back into play by Donnarumma, allowing Martin Odegaard to follow up. However, Josko Gvardiol cleared the midfielder’s shot off the line.

Arsenal extend their lead

The Gunners resumed in much the same fashion and added a third goal two minutes into the second half. Tzolis played a low pass into the path of Odegaard, who evaded both Gvardiol and Donnarumma before rolling the ball into an unguarded net.

City attempted to respond soon afterwards. Jack Grealish, returning to the side, advanced on the flank and sent a driven cross into the penalty area. Gvardiol reached it with a header, but his attempt cleared the crossbar.

Maresca made a double change after the hour, bringing on Rayan Cherki and Rico Lewis for debutant Elliot Anderson and Phil Foden, who was described as a long-serving member of the team.

Manchester City enjoyed a stronger spell in the closing stages and came close to finding a consolation goal when Antoine Semenyo made an intelligent run towards the near side before shooting. David Raya reacted well to scoop the effort away.

There was no way back for City, though, as Arsenal kept control through the final minutes to secure a comprehensive victory. The result gives the Gunners the first trophy of the campaign and leaves the Cityzens with plenty to consider before the league season begins next weekend.