Arsenal has started the 2026/27 season with silverware after a commanding 3-0 victory over Manchester City in the Community Shield at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

Mikel Arteta’s side produced an impressive performance to secure bragging rights over their Premier League rivals, with Riccardo Calafiori, Kai Havertz and captain Martin Odegaard getting on the scoresheet.

Calafiori gave Arsenal a dream start when he struck after just 23 seconds, finishing a well-timed move to put the Gunners ahead almost immediately.

The goal, created by a clever through ball from Myles Lewis-Skelly, proved to be the fastest of the 668 goals Arsenal have scored under Arteta across all competitions.

Arsenal continued to control proceedings after taking the lead and eventually doubled their advantage before half-time through Havertz.

City struggled to establish any real rhythm, while Arsenal looked sharper, more organised and more threatening in possession.

The situation became even more difficult for Manchester City when Bruno Guimaraes was forced off with a suspected injury at the break. Jack Grealish, meanwhile, made his first appearance for City in 15 months.

Odegaard then put the result beyond doubt early in the second half, producing a composed finish to make it 3-0 and cap an outstanding individual display.

The Arsenal captain was later named Player of the Match.

City attempted to respond, but Arsenal remained comfortable and dealt effectively with the pressure. David Raya also produced a number of important saves to preserve his clean sheet.

With the clock running down, Arsenal continued to threaten a fourth goal, while City struggled to create clear-cut opportunities.

The final whistle confirmed a comprehensive 3-0 victory for Arsenal, giving Arteta’s men the first trophy of the new campaign.

Speaking after the match, Arteta praised his players for their intensity and desire, particularly given that several members of the squad had only recently returned to training.

He said the performance demonstrated the level of ambition within the team ahead of the new Premier League season.

Odegaard also expressed his delight at beginning the campaign with silverware, saying Arsenal wanted to set the tone by winning the first trophy available to them.

The victory represents Arsenal’s second triumph over Manchester City in a matter of months and provides an early statement of intent ahead of the new Premier League campaign.

For City manager Enzo Maresca, however, the afternoon ended in disappointment. The 3-0 defeat was his joint-heaviest loss in a competitive debut as a Manchester City manager, matching the record set by Harry Newbould in 1906, when City lost 4-1 to Arsenal.

Arsenal now enter the 2026/27 campaign with confidence high after lifting the Community Shield, while Manchester City will have to regroup quickly before the Premier League season begins.