Arsenal 3-0 Man City: Gunners Make Early Title Statement
Arteta’s Champions Sweep Aside Maresca’s City in Cardiff
Arsenal made an emphatic statement ahead of the new Premier League season after sweeping aside Manchester City 3-0 to lift the Community Shield in Cardiff on Sunday.
The Gunners dominated from the outset and were rewarded when Riccardo Calafiori struck after just 24 seconds, becoming the fastest scorer in the Community Shield since 1968.
Kai Havertz and captain Martin Ødegaard added further goals as Mikel Arteta’s side produced a commanding performance against their title rivals.
The victory gives Arsenal an early psychological advantage over City and provides another piece of silverware for Arteta, whose side ended last season as Premier League champions. Although no league points were at stake, Arsenal’s display underlined their status as one of the teams to beat in the coming campaign.
For new Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca, however, the afternoon offered little encouragement as he began his reign against one of his club’s major title rivals.
City were comfortably second best for much of the contest, with new £116 million midfielder Elliot Anderson unable to make a significant impact.
Erling Haaland also endured a frustrating afternoon, leaving the pitch early in the second half as City struggled to respond to Arsenal’s dominance.
The Community Shield was staged in Cardiff for the first time since 2006, when the Welsh capital hosted the fixture during the reconstruction of Wembley Stadium.
