Arsenal beat Manchester City in the Community Shield at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, with goals from Riccardo Calafiori, Kai Havertz, and captain Martin Odegaard. The win sends a strong message to their Premier League title rivals.
Dominant display from the Gunners
For Arsenal, this was about continuity after their first league title in 22 years. For Manchester City, it was about starting afresh with Enzo Maresca in the dugout. There was only one winner, and emphatically, it was Arsenal.
Odegaard led the procession by example, and said afterwards: "We wanted to start with the first trophy, and we did. We played some brilliant football. It's a great way to start the season."
Calafiori's opener came from great work in midfield by Myles Lewis-Skelly, and the clock read 24 seconds when it went in. A nightmare start to Maresca's competitive debut with City, but a goal that unleashed an almighty roar from Arsenal fans.
Debut performances assessed
This was also a chance to see Arsenal's two signings make their competitive debuts. Bruno Guimaraes was disliked and booed but hugely respected for years as he and Newcastle tormented Arteta's Arsenal. Signing him is a real coup.
The left winger Christos Tzolis found difficulty in beating his man initially but grew into the contest wonderfully and left the pitch with two assists to his name after a performance with which he will surely be delighted.
Defence up to the test
Without the injured William Saliba and Jurrien Timber, Arsenal did not seem to lack anything in their defensive third of the pitch. When Jeremy Doku scampered past Ben White, Gabriel came charging in and plunging into a tackle, receiving passionate congratulations from his team-mates.
David Raya was solid in saving down low from both Phil Foden and Erling Haaland. Arsenal's defence looks well set, and an indication that their title defence does, too.
