Community Shield: Arsenal lift the trophy in front of Manchester City

16.08.26 FT Community Shield England

Arsenal

3

:

Manchester City

0

Arsenal logically defeated Manchester City (3-0) in the Community Shield this Sunday.

The 2026-2027 season gets off to a rough start for Manchester City's new manager, Enzo Maresca. The Gunners wasted no time capitalizing on their opponents' defensive lapses in this clash. After just 23 seconds, Calafiori was set free by Lewis-Skelly. The Italian defender broke into the box before slotting past Donnarumma with a precise left-footed finish (1-0, 1st minute). After that, Manchester City tried to take control of possession. But Enzo Maresca's side often lacked accuracy in their passing and creativity in the final third.

The Londoners doubled their lead just before the half-hour mark. The Manchester City defense watched as Ødegaard whipped in a cross to the far post. Tzolis was completely unmarked and nodded the ball across goal for Havertz, who headed home from point-blank range (2-0, 28th minute). The Citizens responded before halftime: Haaland saw his shot turned away by Raya, then White deflected Doku's effort, which looked destined for the net.

Just three minutes after the restart, Ødegaard widened the gap, outfoxing Gvardiol and Donnarumma after a setup from Tzolis, who picked up his second assist of the match (3-0, 48th minute). Despite numerous changes from Maresca—including the introduction of Frenchman Cherki—Manchester City couldn't mount a comeback.

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.

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Arsenal

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Community Shield England