Arsenal delivered a dominant 3-0 victory over Manchester City in the Community Shield in Cardiff, making a statement start to the new season and landing the first blow in the title race.
Calafiori's lightning opener
Riccardo Calafiori opened the scoring after just 24 seconds, finishing a brilliant threaded pass from Myles Lewis-Skelly, who weighted the ball perfectly into the Italian's path. Calafiori slotted past Gianluigi Donnarumma first time, giving City boss Enzo Maresca a nightmare start in his first game in charge. Arsenal fans goaded Maresca with chants of 'sacked in the morning'.
Lewis-Skelly, linked with Manchester United and Chelsea, continued to impress in midfield, proving his best position is in the middle of the park rather than at left-back.
Havertz doubles the lead
Arsenal's second goal came before the half-hour mark when debutant Christos Tzolis cushioned a header across the face of goal, finding Kai Havertz inside the six-yard box. Havertz's point-blank header proved too difficult for Donnarumma, who was unconvincing in his attempt to keep the ball out.
City showed some attacking threat when Erling Haaland and Jeremy Doku were denied by inspired last-ditch Arsenal defending. Having conceded eight goals in four pre-season fixtures, Arsenal's pride in putting right that form was obvious.
Odegaard seals the win
Martin Odegaard made it three shortly after the restart, with Tzolis notching his second assist. Odegaard's first touch left Josko Gvardiol on the deck before Donnarumma's dreadful performance continued as he committed too early, offering up an open goal.
Arsenal fans brought out the 'oles' as their stars knocked the ball around, with confidence flowing through the side. City's only shot on target in the second half came on 75 minutes when Antoine Semenyo forced David Raya into a strong one-hand save.
The only blemish on Arsenal's day saw Bruno Guimaraes withdrawn on his debut for Declan Rice, with the £75million arrival from Newcastle emerging from the tunnel with ice strapped to his hamstring. Arsenal start their Premier League defence on Friday against newly-promoted Coventry.
