This is how you start a season: Arsenal thrashed City 3:0
The Gunners won the Community Shield in style. Riccardo Calafiori scored after just 24 seconds, followed by goals from Kai Havertz (28') and Martin Odegaard (48'). Christos Tzolis provided two assists, while Manchester City struggled throughout the match.
The 2026/27 English football season kicked off this Sunday with a resounding statement from the English champions. Arsenal claimed the Community Shield after thrashing FA Cup holders Manchester City at the stadium in Cardiff. While Mikel Arteta's Gunners proved they are fully prepared to defend their title, the Citizens experienced a cold baptism of fire in the first official match of the new era under coach Enzo Maresca, who has inherited Pep Guardiola's chair.
City's shock began much earlier than expected. Just 24 seconds after the opening whistle, Myles Lewis-Skelly spotted a hole in the defense and sent a fantastic through ball to Riccardo Calafiori. The Italian defender kept his cool against his national team goalkeeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma, to make it 0:1 — the fastest goal ever scored in the history of the Community Shield.
The celebration continued in the 28th minute when the lead was doubled. Martin Odegaard crossed an accurate ball into the box, new Greek signing Christos Tzolis headed it down, and Kai Havertz finished from close range to make it 0:2.
Any hopes Enzo Maresca had for a second-half comeback were shattered early. In the 48th minute, Tzolis recorded his second assist of the match by setting up Odegaard, who finished with a soft, elegant touch. Erling Haaland was substituted shortly after, ending a frustrating performance, while Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya earned praise for a series of spectacular saves to keep a clean sheet.
Beyond the one-sided result, the game was marked by new faces. Elliot Anderson, who became the most expensive English player in history after being purchased by City for 135 million euros, made his official debut but struggled to leave a mark. For the winners, Bruno Guimaraes made his midfield debut. Notably, Arsenal achieved this result even without Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice in the starting lineup.
Both teams now look toward the Premier League opening round. The champions begin their journey this Friday against Coventry City, while Manchester City will look to recover when they host Bournemouth on Sunday.
