A devastating start in Cardiff

Arsenal left an indelible mark on the Community Shield by beating Manchester City 3-0 at the Principality Stadium. Goals from Riccardo Calafiori, Kai Havertz, and Martin Odegaard made the difference in a match that became the biggest win in this tournament since 2014, when the Gunners also defeated City by the same score. The start was lightning fast, with Calafiori scoring after 23 seconds, marking the first goal in the opening minute of the competition since 1968. In addition, Christos Tzolis shone in his first-ever debut, providing two assists, something that hadn't happened since David Beckham in 1996

Arteta and the high bar for the season

Mikel Arteta, who already has three Community Shields as a coach, was elated after the win and made clear the path forward.

“We talked about our desire to start the season and show ourselves how much we want it. I saw a lot of positive things against a top-tier opponent. It's all down to the pre-season preparation and the decisions the guys made after the World Cup, to come early and be ready. They wanted to win this competition because we had won it last year. I'm very impressed with how we played, especially the way we competed. That's the standard for us. If we maintain this level, I'm sure we'll be very competitive."

The immediate challenge of the Premier League

The victory not only boosts the squad's confidence, but also sends a clear message, Arsenal is ready to defend its Premier League title with the same intensity it showed in Cardiff. The next match will be on Friday, when they host Coventry City, the new 2025-26 Championship champions. Arteta knows the road will be long and demanding, but he is convinced that this start sets the tone for what could be a memorable season. A hunger for glory and high standards, that's the recipe the Basque manager wants to instill in London

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