Arsenal began the 2026/27 season in emphatic fashion after defeating Manchester City 3-0 to win the Community Shield at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Sunday.

The Gunners made a stunning start when Riccardo Calafiori opened the scoring inside the first minute, finishing from Myles Lewis-Skelly’s assist to put Arsenal ahead almost immediately.

Kai Havertz doubled Arsenal’s advantage in the 28th minute after being set up by Christos Tzolis, leaving Manchester City facing a difficult task before half-time.

Arsenal continued to control the game after the break and extended their lead in the 48th minute through captain Martin Ødegaard.

Tzolis provided another assist as Ødegaard calmly found the net to make it 3-0.

Manchester City enjoyed more possession during the match but struggled to turn it into clear-cut opportunities. Arsenal, meanwhile, were more clinical and created the better chances.

The victory gives Arsenal the first domestic trophy of the new season and provides Mikel Arteta’s side with a major confidence boost ahead of their Premier League title defence.

For City, the defeat marked a disappointing start to Enzo Maresca’s competitive reign as manager, with Arsenal’s intensity and efficiency proving too much for the FA Cup holders.

Calafiori’s early strike also made history, with reports describing it as the fastest-ever goal scored in the Community Shield.

Arsenal will now turn their attention to the Premier League, while Manchester City will look to respond quickly as the new campaign gets underway.