Current Premier League champions, Arsenal, have won their 18th Community Shield after thrashing Manchester City 3-0 at the Principality Stadium, also known as the Millennium Stadium, in Cardiff, Wales.
The Gunners took the lead just 23 seconds into the match when Riccardo Calafiori finished beautifully after being assisted by Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Mikel Arteta's side doubled their advantage in the 28th minute. Martin Ødegaard delivered a deep cross towards the far post, where Christos Tzolis provided a downward header to set up Kai Havertz, who finished past Manchester City's new goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Arsenal went into the break with a commanding 2–0 lead, putting together an impressive performance to make a strong statement ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
The Gunners added a third goal in the 48th minute. New signing Christos Tzolis produced his second assist of the match, playing a pass through the Manchester City defence for captain Martin Ødegaard, who calmly beat the goalkeeper to make it 3–0 and seal Arsenal's 18th Community Shield triumph.
Arsenal's other major summer signing, Bruno Guimarães, who joined from Newcastle United for £75 million ($101 million), also made his debut and settled into midfield with ease. Tzolis, signed from Club Brugge for £34 million, impressed on his official debut with two assists.
Manchester City's new signing Elliot Anderson also made his debut after joining from Nottingham Forest for a reported £116 million ($155 million), making him the most expensive British player in football history.
It was also a disappointing start for Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca, who succeeded Pep Guardiola. The defeat means Mikel Arteta remains unbeaten against Maresca, with two wins and two draws in their four meetings.
Arsenal will now turn their attention to the Premier League, where they begin their title defence at home against newly promoted Coventry City on Friday, August 21, 2026, at the Emirates Stadium.
Manchester City will begin their Premier League campaign at home against AFC Bournemouth on Sunday.
0 Comments
DISCLAIMER
The views and opinions expressed on this platform as comments were freely made by each person under his or her own volition or responsibility and were neither suggested nor dictated by the owners of News PLATFORM or any of their contracted staff. So we take no liability whatsoever for such comments.
Please take note!