Arsenal made a strong statement ahead of the new Premier League season, beating Manchester City 3-0 in the Community Shield on Sunday. It was a difficult first competitive match for City manager Enzo Maresca, with Arsenal scoring within 24 seconds.Riccardo Calafiori opened the scoring after just 23 seconds, before Kai Havertz doubled Arsenal’s lead in the 28th minute. Martin Odegaard then added a third shortly after halftime, leaving City struggling to create meaningful chances.Arsenal captain Odegaard was delighted with the performance as his team prepares to begin its title defence.“I think we showed our level today — that we are ready,” Odegaard said. “We are serious and we want to do it again.”
Arsenal Punish City’s Mistakes
Calafiori finished from Myles Lewis-Skelly’s clever through ball to give Arsenal their fastest Community Shield goal in more than five decades.Havertz then took advantage of a mistake from City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, heading the ball past him to make it 2-0. Odegaard added the third early in the second half after finding plenty of space inside the City box and sending Donnarumma the wrong way with a clever dummy.Arsenal fans even aimed chants of “You’re getting sacked in the morning” at Maresca during a match in which City rarely tested goalkeeper David Raya.Erling Haaland, who had only recently returned to training, had just seven touches before being replaced in the 53rd minute.
City Face Early Questions
City were also without Rodri, who is recovering from minor back surgery amid reports linking him with a possible move to Barcelona. His absence leaves a major gap in midfield, with new signing Elliot Anderson expected to help fill the void.Maresca’s decision to introduce Jack Grealish at halftime also attracted attention. Grealish spent last season on loan at Everton, and his appearance could be a sign that he still has a role to play at City.Arsenal begin their Premier League campaign against Coventry on Friday, while City host Bournemouth two days later.
