Arsenal have opened the new English football season with silverware after producing a dominant performance to beat Manchester City 3-0 and win the Community Shield on Sunday.
According to Reuters, Mikel Arteta’s side controlled the contest at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, with goals from Riccardo Calafiori, Kai Havertz and captain Martin Odegaard sealing an emphatic victory.
Arsenal made a blistering start as Calafiori found the net just 23 seconds after kick-off, catching City cold and giving the Gunners an immediate advantage.
City attempted to respond through Phil Foden and Erling Haaland, but Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya denied their efforts to preserve his side’s lead.
Arsenal dominate Man City in Community Shield
Havertz doubled Arsenal’s advantage in the 28th minute, heading past Gianluigi Donnarumma following another incisive attacking move.
Any hope of a City comeback suffered another blow shortly after the restart when Odegaard struck in the 48th minute to put Arsenal three goals ahead.
New signing Christos Tzolis also made an immediate impression, playing a role in two of Arsenal’s goals as Arteta’s side repeatedly exposed City’s defence.
The Gunners remained comfortable for the rest of the match and kept a clean sheet to complete a convincing 3-0 victory.
The defeat handed new Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca a difficult start in his first competitive game in charge, while Arsenal head into the new campaign with an early trophy and a statement victory over one of their major rivals.
