🏆 Arsenal Begin New Season in Style With 18th Community Shield Triumph
Arsenal have made the perfect start to the 2026/27 campaign, defeating Manchester City 3-0 to lift the FA Community Shield for a record 18th time. 🔴⚪️
Mikel Arteta’s Premier League champions delivered a commanding performance at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Sunday, completely outplaying Manchester City and giving their title rivals an early warning ahead of the new season.
⚡ Calafiori strikes after just 23 seconds
Arsenal needed barely half a minute to take control.
Riccardo Calafiori opened the scoring after just 23 seconds, finishing a brilliant move created by Myles Lewis-Skelly. The goal was reported as the fastest in Community Shield history, immediately setting the tone for Arsenal’s afternoon.
The Gunners continued to dominate possession and territory, with City struggling to establish any sustained attacking rhythm.
🎯 Havertz doubles the advantage
Arsenal’s pressure paid off again in the 28th minute when Kai Havertz doubled the lead.
Christos Tzolis played an important role in creating the opportunity, while Arsenal’s movement and intensity repeatedly exposed weaknesses in Manchester City’s defence.
At half-time, Arteta’s side had a deserved 2-0 advantage.
👑 Ødegaard puts the game beyond City
Captain Martin Ødegaard completed the scoring early in the second half, making it 3-0 and effectively ending any hopes of a Manchester City comeback.
David Raya also played his part by keeping a clean sheet, while Arsenal’s defensive organisation helped neutralise City’s attacking threats, including Erling Haaland.
🔴⚪️ A statement from the champions
The victory gives Arsenal their 18th Community Shield, adding another piece of silverware to the cabinet after their Premier League success.
It was also a difficult competitive debut for new Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca, who takes over following Pep Guardiola’s departure. City now have plenty to work on before the Premier League campaign gets underway.
For Arteta and Arsenal, however, the message is clear: the hunger has not disappeared.
The Community Shield may traditionally be viewed as the curtain-raiser to the new campaign, but a 3-0 victory over Manchester City will give Arsenal supporters plenty of reason to dream.
One trophy already secured. The Premier League title defence starts next. And Arsenal look ready. 🏆🔴⚪️
Arsenal 3-0 Manchester City
⚽ Riccardo Calafiori
⚽ Kai Havertz
⚽ Martin Ødegaard
18th Community Shield for Arsenal. What a way to start the season! 🔥
