Arsenal began their title defence in style after defeating Manchester City 3-0 to win the 2026 FA Community Shield at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Sunday.
Gatekeepers News reports that Riccardo Calafiori gave the Premier League champions a dream start, opening the scoring just 24 seconds into the encounter after being set up by Myles Lewis-Skelly. The goal was the fastest scored in the Community Shield since 1968.
Kai Havertz doubled Arsenal’s advantage in the 28th minute, heading home a cross from new signing Christos Tzolis to put Mikel Arteta’s side firmly in control before the break.
Arsenal continued their dominance after the restart, with captain Martin Ødegaard adding a third goal early in the second half. Tzolis was again involved, providing the assist for the Norwegian midfielder, who calmly finished past Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Manchester City struggled to respond as Arsenal’s defence, led by goalkeeper David Raya, kept the FA Cup holders at bay. The defeat was particularly disappointing for City manager Enzo Maresca, who was taking charge of the club for the first time in a competitive match following Pep Guardiola’s departure.
The victory secured Arsenal’s 18th Community Shield title and gave the Gunners an early boost ahead of their Premier League title defence. Arsenal had entered the contest as reigning league champions, while City qualified as the previous season’s FA Cup winners.
The triumph also marked Arsenal’s fourth victory over Manchester City in the Community Shield, maintaining their perfect record against City in the competition.
The result will further raise expectations around Arteta’s team as they attempt to retain the Premier League title and challenge for more silverware in the 2026/27 campaign. For City, the heavy defeat offers Maresca an early indication of the work required as he begins life after Guardiola.
