CARDIFF, WALES – AUGUST 16: Martin Odegaard of Arsenal lifts the FA Community Shield trophy with teammates after the 2026 FA Community Shield match between Arsenal and Manchester City at Principality Stadium on August 16, 2026 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Eddie Keogh – The FA/The FA via Getty Images) Arsenal got their season off to the perfect start by thrashing Manchester City 3-0 to win the 2026 Community Shield on Sunday. Riccardo Calafiori opened the scoring after just 24 seconds before Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard found the back of the net in a dominant display in Cardiff. It was a statement of intent from the reigning Premier League champions, one that condemned Enzo Maresca to a humiliating result in his first game since replacing Pep Guardiola in the City dugout. The Gunners looked stronger, smarter and hungrier from kick-off, and were rewarded straight away as Myles Lewis-Skelly slipped in Calafiori to score. Get the latest transfer news every morning Sign up to our daily football newsletter for personalised updates on who your team is trying to sign and who won't be around next season. City had chances in the first-half, with Raya making good saves to stop Phil Foden and Erling Haaland, before Jeremy Doku was denied a certain equaliser. Soon after, Havertz doubled the lead, heading past Gianluigi Donnarumma after being teed up perfectly by debutant Christos Tzolis. And the £34million signing continued his fine form from pre-season, bagging another assist as captain Odegaard tapped in the third just minutes after the break. Riccardo Calafiori scored after just 24 seconds (Photo: Getty) The Citizens looked lost and devoid of ideas, with record £116m signing Elliot Anderson unable to influence proceedings, while Maresca hauled off star striker Erling Haaland after just 53 minutes. There were chances to make the scoreline even worse for the FA Cup holders as substitute Bukayo Saka hit the side-netting before firing over from close-range. But Mikel Arteta will no doubt be delighted with the result and more importantly the performance as they look to retain their title and go one better in the Champions League this season. Arsenal kick-off the 2026/27 Premier League season this Friday night against Championship champions Coventry City. Man City host Bournemouth in their first league game next Sunday. Metro’s LIVE matchday blog will bring you all the build-up, confirmed team news and starting XIs, goal updates and minute-by-minute coverage. Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source
