Arsenal began their 2026/27 campaign in style by beating Manchester City 3-0 in the Community Shield at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. The Premier League champions delivered a confident and controlled performance against the FA Cup winners, with goals from Riccardo Calafiori, Kai Havertz and Martin Ødegaard sealing a comfortable victory under Mikel Arteta.
The match was barely underway when Arsenal took the lead after just 24 seconds. Calafiori reacted quickest to a move involving Myles Lewis-Skelly to score the fastest goal ever recorded in the Community Shield. The Gunners maintained their grip on the game and extended their advantage in the 28th minute when Havertz converted a well-worked chance created by new signing Christos Tzolis.
Manchester City found it difficult to break through Arsenal’s organised defence. Goalkeeper David Raya produced several key saves, including one to deny Phil Foden as the visitors tried to mount a response. Shortly after the restart, captain Ødegaard added a third goal in the 48th minute, rounding off another fluid attacking move to make it 3-0.
City were unable to mount a serious comeback as Arsenal stayed compact and professional for the rest of the match. The win gives Arteta’s side an early boost ahead of the new Premier League season as they look to defend their title, while it represents a frustrating start for Enzo Maresca in his first competitive outing as City’s manager.
