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Arsenal began the new season with a comfortable 3-0 win over Manchester City to claim the 2026 Community Shield in Cardiff.
Mikel Arteta’s side needed less than a minute to take control, with Riccardo Calafiori opening the scoring after Myles Lewis-Skelly created the opportunity.
Kai Havertz doubled Arsenal’s advantage before Martin Odegaard added a third shortly after half-time, leaving City with no way back.
Tzolis stars as Arsenal dominate
Summer signing Christos Tzolis was one of Arsenal’s standout performers, providing two assists during an impressive debut in the traditional season curtain-raiser.
The Greece international helped create Havertz’s goal in the 28th minute, nodding Odegaard’s cross back across the box for the Germany forward to head home.
Tzolis then played a role in Arsenal’s third shortly after the restart, finding Odegaard inside the penalty area. The Arsenal captain deceived Gianluigi Donnarumma with a clever fake before calmly finishing into the far corner.
The 24-year-old joined Arsenal from Club Brugge for £34 million after contributing 40 goals in the Belgian league last season, including 17 goals and 23 assists.
City struggle in first competitive test
Manchester City struggled to match Arsenal’s physicality in their first competitive match under new manager Enzo Maresca.
Elliot Anderson made his competitive debut following his £116 million move, while Phil Foden was handed a starting role after falling out of favour under former boss Pep Guardiola last season.
City created opportunities but could not find a way past David Raya, who made important saves to deny Foden and Antoine Semenyo.
Jack Grealish also returned to action for City after 15 months away from the team.
The defeat was City’s heaviest Community Shield loss since Arsenal beat them 3-0 in 2014.
For Arsenal, the victory represents their second trophy in four months and their 18th Community Shield triumph.
The Gunners now turn their attention to their Premier League opener against Coventry City on Friday, while City host Bournemouth on Sunday.