A Community Battle in Cardiff
The Principality Stadium in Cardiff was packed to the rafters with over 50k fans, as Arsenal, the defending English Premier League champions, squared up against old rivals Manchester City, the FA Cup holders, in a one-off FA Community Shield Final.
Enzo Maresca’s First Competitive Game
The match fetched a bit more significance as Manchester City were on the field for the first time in a competitive game under their new Manager Enzo Maresca, who certainly had massive shoes to fill.
Calafiori Draws First Blood in Just 23 Seconds
The Gunners wasted no time in drawing first blood as Lewis-Skelly set up Calafiori with an incredible pass, which not only wrong-footed the City defence but also opened it up completely. Calafiori did the rest with a perfect finish. It was the fastest goal scored in a Community Shield Final, coming through in just 23 seconds. City were down a goal already.
Kai Havertz Adds Another As City Slip
With the Man City defence looking vulnerable, Mikel Arteta’s side had already smelt blood, leading to another goal by Kai Havertz in the 28th minute. Donnarumma could not hold on to a not-so-powerful header from Havertz, and City were down two goals after 30 minutes of play.
Tzolis Sets Up Odegaard For A Third
Martin Odegaard, fresh from a great showing at the World Cup with the Norwegian side, ensured a composed finish after Arsenal’s summer signing from Club Brugge, the Greek Christos Tzolis, had played out a fine assist. The score read 3-0 in the 48th minute.
Gunners Defend Brilliantly To Deny City…
The Gunners had opened up a yawning gap, and though Manchester City held possession and tried to make inroads through Phil Foden, Erling Haaland and Jeremy Doku, they kept on hitting a wall called David Raya. The Spanish Goalkeeper was exceptional and denied City, to keep a clean sheet.
… And Emerge Victorious
Arsenal eventually emerged winners of the Community Shield for the 18th time and ensured a terrific beginning to the defence of their EPL Title. Mikel Arteta could not have asked for more.
A Drubbing For A Lacklustre Man City In The End
Manchester City received a drubbing without a doubt. Enzo Maresca was let down by a lack of intensity and a poor performance from the midfield and defence. With just a few days left in the 26/27 EPL season, Maresca would be feeling the heat. He is at the helm of the most successful Club in England and across Europe over the past decade.
Testing times ahead for City, while Arsenal have already bagged a trophy right at the start.
