Arsenal Send Huge Warning With 3-0 Man City Win

Arsenal have started their title-defending season with silverware after beating Manchester City 3-0 to win the 2026 FA Community Shield in Cardiff.

Riccardo Calafiori needed less than 25 seconds to put Arsenal ahead, giving new Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca a nightmare start to his first competitive match in charge. Kai Havertz doubled the lead in the 28th minute before Martin Ødegaard completed the victory early in the second half.

The result gave Mikel Arteta's side their first trophy of the new campaign and their 18th Community Shield overall.

It was also a significant day for Bruno Guimarães, who made his competitive Arsenal debut after completing his move from Newcastle. The Brazilian midfielder started the match but was replaced at half-time. He was later seen with an ice pack on his right leg, although Arsenal have not confirmed an injury.

For City, the defeat raises early questions about Maresca's team.

The former Chelsea manager has inherited a squad entering a new era following Pep Guardiola's departure, and Arsenal exposed several problems in Cardiff. City struggled to turn possession into clear chances, while Arsenal were more dangerous when they attacked.

Elliot Anderson made his City debut, while Antoine Semenyo was one of the few players to offer a threat going forward. But the overall performance will leave Maresca with plenty to improve before the Premier League begins.

There is also a fascinating piece of Arsenal history behind the victory.

The Gunners have now won the Community Shield in each of the four seasons in which they were defending Premier League champions and went on to win the Shield: 1998, 2002, 2004 and 2026.

Arsenal ended a 22-year wait for the Premier League title last season.

Now they have begun their defence by beating one of their biggest rivals and lifting another trophy.

Can Arteta's Arsenal become Premier League champions in back-to-back seasons for the first time?