Arsenal began the new season with a 3-0 victory over Manchester City to lift the Community Shield at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on Sunday.
Mikel Arteta’s side took the lead after just 24 seconds when Myles Lewis-Skelly played Riccardo Calafiori through, with the Italian finishing quickly. It was the fastest goal in Community Shield history.
Arsenal doubled their advantage in the 28th minute. New signing Christos Tzolis delivered a low ball into the area and Kai Havertz’s header found the net despite Gianluigi Donnarumma getting a hand to the effort.
Tzolis was involved again shortly after half-time, setting up Martin Ødegaard for Arsenal’s third in the 48th minute. The captain got ahead of Josko Gvardiol before rounding Donnarumma and finishing into an empty net.
Manchester City struggled to create clear chances but did threaten through Phil Foden and Erling Haaland, both of whom tested David Raya. The Arsenal goalkeeper made the required saves to keep a clean sheet.
The victory gave Arsenal their third Community Shield win over City, following their penalty-shootout success in 2023. Arsenal entered the match as Premier League champions, while City were FA Cup winners.
