Why Arsenal’s Community Shield victory over Man City is so ominous for title rivals
The Gunners won the Community Shield giving Mikel Arteta an early-season triumph while condemning new City boss Enzo Maresca to defeat in his first game in charge
Lawrence Ostlere16 August 2026 18:10
“After the first one I was quite happy because we didn’t concede nothing [again], and we created three or four chances to draw the game but unfortunately we conceded the second one, and there is a mistake there but it’s just the beginning,” said the Man City manager.
“Then from next Sunday we start the Premier League and then the focus has to be about that.
“We have many things to work [on]. The season’s just started so there are many things we need to do better but even when we win games there are things we need to do better.”
Mike Jones16 August 2026 18:05
The City manager added: “Disappointed with that because in this kind of game the level is so similar that when you concede a goal, it then becomes difficult but I think the action after the first goal was quite good and we created chances but again, 2-0 was even more complicated.”
INGLATERRA-COMMUNITY SHIELD (AP)
Mike Jones16 August 2026 18:00
Some reaction from Enzo Maresca
The Man City boss spoke to BBC Radio 5 Live and said: “I think the goal we conceded after 25 seconds unfortunately affected the game in that moment.
“I think after the goal, the reaction was quite good before they scored the second one, we had three or four chances to score and draw the game but unfortunately we conceded the second one and it became more complicated.”
Mike Jones16 August 2026 17:55
Arsenal’s opener after 23 seconds was the quickest goal the Gunners have scored under Mikel Arteta – from a total of 668 goals.
Mike Jones16 August 2026 17:50
Rueb Dias added: “I joined midway [in pre-season]. This is the third game since I have been back. The feeling has been good. Today is frustrating, and it is a final that we all wanted to win. If there is a lesson to be learnt in the final, let it be this one, as there’s a lot more coming. It is a positive energy.
“The feeling of a lot of work to put into. It’s part of any transition for things to be not so perfect in the beginning.
“You need to push through, you need to communicate, and make things work between us. I feel we’re in a very good way, but we need to keep on working. There’s going to be lots of challenges along the way.”
(Getty)
Mike Jones16 August 2026 17:45
Post match reaction from Ruben Dias
The Man City captain told TNT Sports: “Well, obviously not good enough. First of all, thank you to the fans that came. Obviously a long distance. Thank you to all of them for coming so far.
“It is the beginning of the season, it is not good enough. In the end, this is just the start, and the most important thing is we’re already looking forward and we will be ready for our next game.”
Mike Jones16 August 2026 17:40
Martin Odegaard completed the most passes (55/58) and dribbles (3/3) of any Arsenal player, as well as winning possession the most times for the Gunners (nine).
(PA)
Mike Jones16 August 2026 17:35
This is Enzo Maresca’s joint-heaviest defeat as a manager in England, having previously lost 3-0 with Chelsea to Brighton in February 2025.
In November 2021 his Parma lost 4-0 to Lecce in Serie B.
(Reuters)
Mike Jones16 August 2026 17:30
Arsenal debutant Christos Tzolis became the first player to assist two goals in a Community Shield since David Beckham in 1996 (for Manchester United against Newcastle United).
Mike Jones16 August 2026 17:25