If this match offered an early indication of the Premier League’s emerging hierarchy, Arsenal’s rivals should take notice. When Martin Ødegaard calmly sent Gianluigi Donnarumma the wrong way to complete a 3-0 victory for the champions, the celebrations were already in full flow. The travelling fans in red and white joyfully mocked the supporters dressed in sky blue.
Arsenal’s followers in south Wales could hardly believe the commanding performance unfolding before them. Winning the Community Shield may not inspire celebrations on the scale of those seen across north London in May, when the club ended a 22-year wait for the league title, but the result still carried significance. After three consecutive runners-up finishes before finally becoming champions, Arsenal left Manchester City’s fans to experience a heavy defeat against their closest competitors. Viktor Gyökeres had made the team’s intentions clear before kick-off by insisting they wanted victory, regardless of the occasion, and that determination was evident from the first whistle at the Principality Stadium.
It seemed appropriate that the opening fixture following Pep Guardiola’s departure brought together two of his former assistants, both hoping to inherit his status. Based on this display, Mikel Arteta’s formidable Arsenal squad will begin the new campaign as strong favourites to retain the title. The arrivals of Bruno Guimarães and Christos Tzolis have added further depth, and Arsenal needed only 48 minutes to overwhelm Enzo Maresca’s City side.
The Italian manager had barely settled into the dugout for his first competitive assignment since succeeding Guardiola when his team fell behind. Myles Lewis-Skelly played an important role in Arsenal’s successful title run after moving into midfield when Martín Zubimendi began to tire. Here, the teenager required just over 20 seconds to demonstrate his quality, delivering an excellent pass that allowed Riccardo Calafiori to score the opening goal.
Lewis-Skelly will not turn 20 until next month, yet he already possesses the physical strength to compete with most opponents, including City’s £116m acquisition Elliot Anderson. Reports this week suggested that Lewis-Skelly had been offered to Manchester United and Chelsea. However, after he controlled midfield alongside the impressive Guimarães and outperformed both Anderson and the experienced Mateo Kovacic, Arteta is unlikely to approve his departure before the transfer window closes.
Guimarães quickly won over the Arsenal supporters with a forceful but well-timed challenge that dispossessed Phil Foden. The crowd’s chants of “Bruno, Bruno” became even louder when the Brazilian produced an accurate crossfield pass into Noni Madueke’s path. City were probably relieved when he did not return after half-time.
Before the interval, Kai Havertz had already doubled Arsenal’s advantage following a superbly constructed move involving Ødegaard and Tzolis, leaving City under sustained pressure. Declan Rice’s introduction at the start of the second half further highlighted the range of options available to Arteta. However, it remains uncertain whether Bukayo Saka’s quick return after representing England at the World Cup will prove sensible over the course of the season. When Rice entered the match, Arsenal supporters recalled his post-game speech following March’s defeat at the Etihad Stadium by singing: “He said it’s not done.”
Ødegaard’s renewed attacking influence gives Arsenal another reason for confidence. Injuries repeatedly disrupted the captain’s previous season, but he arrived in strong form after impressing for Norway at the World Cup. He helped orchestrate Arsenal’s most effective attacks and completed an outstanding individual performance with a composed finish for the final goal. Supporters then aimed chants of “you’re getting sacked in the morning” at Maresca, who held a lengthy discussion with his players and coaching staff after the final whistle.
With Rodri expected to join Barcelona, City must prioritise signing at least one additional central midfielder to play alongside Anderson. Lille youngster Ayyoub Bouaddi could bring energy and potential, but the strength of Arsenal’s midfield suggests City may also need a more experienced option to compete seriously for the championship. Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández could be a suitable candidate.
For a short period last autumn, Maresca’s previous team appeared to be Arsenal’s most credible challenger, but disagreements with club officials eventually brought his time there to an end. He will need patience to reshape a squad constructed largely around Guardiola’s methods. Arteta recently expressed confidence that his latest rival has the personality, character and tactical understanding required to succeed. Arsenal’s manager, meanwhile, must now determine whether he can establish a lasting era of success comparable to Guardiola’s. This emphatic victory represented an encouraging first step.
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