Arsenal gained an early psychological edge over old foes Manchester City by battering them in a one-sided affair to claim victory and the Community Shield.
Fast Start and Dominant Display
In the first meeting between the two sides most heavily fancied to contest another gruelling title race, it was the Premier League champions who struck first - and within 30 seconds. Riccardo Calafiori finished with aplomb after rampaging forward from left-back after sterling work from Myles Lewis-Skelly, catching City cold.
Kai Havertz then made it two in the 28th minute, nodding the ball underneath the hapless Gianluigi Donnarumma after a smart blindside run and header back across goal from Christos Tzolis. Arsenal did need David Raya to be at his best to keep City at bay, while only a phenomenal block from Ben White prevented Jeremy Doku from halving the deficit despite the Gunners' dominance.
Odegaard Seals the Win
Three minutes after the restart, Mikel Arteta's put the game beyond City with Martin Odegaard showing excellent composure to sit down Donnarumma after being picked out by Tzolis.
Key Performances
Lewis-Skelly's role in the goal was significant; not only did he thread the perfect ball through to Calafiori in the City penalty area, he was also in the right place at the right time in his own box later in the half to prevent Nico O'Reilly from putting City right back into the game. This was another accomplished showing from the young Hale End graduate in his natural position.
Christos Tzolis impressed against Manchester City and bagged two assists. He may not have been signed to be the left-sided attacker to level up Arsenal's output from the flanks, but Tzolis has seriously looked the part in pre-season. The Greek international has registered a goal or an assist in every game he's played for his new club, a streak he extended here by teeing up Havertz following a smart run and pinpoint header back across goal. Not content with that, the former Club Brugge man picked out Odegaard in a crowded penalty area minutes after the restart to kill the game off.
With Gabriel Martinelli left out of the squad for the game, it seems a safe bet the shirt is Tzolis' to lose both for and following Friday's Premier League opener at Coventry. Yes, his cause has been aided by Arsenal's failure to land the marquee attackers they have been courting in the market. But Tzolis has looked every inch the superstar Arsenal have craved to enhance their left-hand side. All the while Arsenal are still scouring the market, he has a golden chance to lock down a starting berth.
Donnarumma's Day to Forget
More than a few eyebrows were raised when Manchester City signed Donnarumma just weeks after bringing James Trafford back to the club. Even more were raised when City doubled down on Donnarumma's status as undisputed No 1 after a mixed debut campaign by agreeing to sell the hugely promising Trafford to Leeds.
Donnarumma was signed as one of the best keepers in the world. But while the man at the opposite end of the pitch continues to enhance his own claims for that honour, City's No 1 was absolutely all at sea. He was on the floor far too early for Arsenal's first goal, the second should never have squirmed underneath him and Odegaard sat him down the clincher third far too easily. Yes, even the elite are allowed an off day. But you do wonder whether Manchester City will harbour regrets over their decisions in the goalkeeping department long-term.
Grealish's Cameo
With Manchester City toiling, Jack Grealish was offered a surprise opportunity to take charge of his destiny when he was introduced as a half-time substitute. The £100million man was frozen out and shown the door by Pep Guardiola but Enzo Maresca has refused to completely shut that same door when it comes to Grealish. His cameo here alone will not drastically alter his future. But if Maresca is open to giving him opportunities, perhaps Grealish and City's story could extend to a second act.
Psychological Edge
In the grand scheme of things, neither Arsenal or Manchester City were ever going to put too much on today's game with the prize of the Community Shield smallfry in the grand scheme of things. But a victory this comprehensive could give Arsenal a major psychological edge in the title race if, as expected, these two slug it out again for the domestic crown. Whether or not that proves to be the case remains to be seen. But this was not the polished first significant outing Maresca would have been coping for as Manchester City manager. Far from it. Arsenal on the other hand, were magnificent led by an inspired performance from their captain, Odegaard. City will improve because of the talent they have, and because Maresca is a fine coach. But for now, it's Arsenal 1-0 Man City.
