Arsenal defeats Manchester City in Community Shield and sets the standard

Arsenal claimed the Community Shield with a commanding 3-0 victory over Manchester City in Cardiff, in Enzo Maresca's first competitive match as City boss. A statement performance that showcased the Gunners' intent for the season ahead.

Early dominance

Arteta's side left no room for doubt. Riccardo Calafiori opened the scoring after just 24 seconds—the fastest goal in the competition's history since 1968. Kai Havertz doubled the lead before captain Martin Ødegaard completed the rout in the 48th minute. It marked City's joint-heaviest opening defeat for any manager, matching a record from 1906.

Arteta was in no mood to downplay the performance. "I am obviously extremely happy with the performance, the result and winning the first trophy," he said, according to *The Guardian*. "We talked about the desire we have and that's the standard for us. If we drive the standards at this level, I'm sure we'll be really competitive."

The manager emphasized his team's hunger to defend their Premier League crown. "We want to go straight again," he explained. "I want to live that moment again, even bigger moments. We know what it will take. We've never done it at this club. We know it will demand something special and we're ready for it."

Ødegaard echoed that sentiment: "We've shown our level. We're serious and we want to do it again," the skipper said. "When you get a taste of how nice it is you want to do it again. We want to win everything."

With their Premier League title won just weeks ago, Arsenal are now targeting back-to-back championships for the first time since 1934-35. Tuesday's display suggested they mean business.