Arsenal have sent an early warning to their Premier League rivals after thrashing Manchester City 3-0 to win the Community Shield on Sunday.
The Gunners took the lead just 24 seconds into the match when Riccardo Calafiori fired past City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The early goal gave Arsenal confidence as they continued to control the game and put City under pressure.
Kai Havertz doubled Arsenal’s lead in the 28th minute with a header from a cross by new signing Christos Tzolis.
Arsenal went into the break with a comfortable 2-0 lead after a dominant first-half display.
The Gunners needed only three minutes after the restart to extend their advantage.
Captain Martin Ødegaard made it 3-0 in the 48th minute after Arsenal produced another quick attacking move.
Manchester City struggled to find a way back into the match as Arsenal remained organised at the back and dangerous going forward.
David Raya also made important saves to keep City’s attackers at bay as Arsenal secured a clean sheet.
The victory gives Mikel Arteta’s side an early trophy and a major confidence boost ahead of the new Premier League season.
It also gives Arsenal bragging rights over City after the two sides battled for honours last season.
For City, the defeat marks a difficult start for new manager Enzo Maresca, who has taken over following Pep Guardiola’s departure.
The match also provided a dream competitive debut for Tzolis, who created two goals and impressed throughout the game.
Arsenal will now turn their attention to the Premier League, where they begin their title defence against Coventry City on August 21.
City, meanwhile, will open their league campaign against Bournemouth.
For Arteta and his players, the 3-0 victory offers an early statement of intent.
For Maresca, there is already plenty to work on before Manchester City’s league campaign begins.
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