Premier League champions Arsenal began the new season in style after producing a commanding 3-0 victory over Manchester City to lift the 2026 Community Shield at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium.
Mikel Arteta’s side needed just 23 seconds to take the lead. Myles Lewis-Skelly found Riccardo Calafiori, who calmly slotted the ball past Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Arsenal doubled their advantage in the 28th minute when Kai Havertz headed home from close range.
Summer signing Christos Tzolis had nodded Martin Ødegaard’s cross back across goal, allowing Havertz to direct a downward header beyond Donnarumma.
The Gunners extended their lead just three minutes into the second half. Tzolis again played a key role, finding Ødegaard inside the City penalty area. The Arsenal captain brilliantly sent Donnarumma the wrong way with a dummy before calmly placing the ball into the opposite corner.
The victory over FA Cup holders Manchester City gave Arsenal their second trophy in four months and their 18th Community Shield title.
The match was played at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, with Wembley unavailable as it hosts Canadian singer The Weeknd’s After Hours Til Dawn Tour.
One of the standout performers was Greek forward Christos Tzolis, who provided two assists while operating from the left side of Arsenal’s attack.
The 24-year-old enjoyed an outstanding campaign with Club Brugge last season, contributing to a league-high 40 goals, including 17 goals and 23 assists.
Tzolis joined Arsenal this summer for a reported £34 million, returning to English football after previously making 30 appearances for Norwich City between 2021 and 2024.
Another summer arrival, Bruno Guimarães, also started the match but had a quieter outing at the base of Arsenal’s midfield.
Lewis-Skelly also impressed, creating Arsenal’s opening goal amid reported transfer interest from Chelsea and Manchester United.
Arsenal could have added to their advantage before half-time when Ødegaard’s effort was cleared off the line by Joško Gvardiol.
Substitute Bukayo Saka also came close late in the match but fired over from a promising position.
The emphatic victory gives Arsenal an early boost ahead of the new Premier League campaign and underlines their ambition to build on last season’s title success.
