Arsenal began their season with a strong performance, defeating Manchester City 3-0 in the Community Shield in Cardiff. The victory, which took place at the Principality Stadium, saw goals from Riccardo Calafiori, Kai Havertz, and Martin Odegaard, signalling a confident start for the team.
The match began with an early goal for Arsenal, as Riccardo Calafiori scored within 23 seconds after receiving a pass from Myles Lewis-Skelly. This quick start put pressure on City, who were playing their first competitive match under new manager Enzo Maresca following Pep Guardiola’s departure.
Arsenal’s summer signing, Christos Tzolis, played a key role in the subsequent goals. He provided an assist for Kai Havertz, who doubled Arsenal’s lead. Tzolis then set up captain Martin Odegaard for the third goal, which came just three minutes into the second half.
Arteta’s reaction to the performance
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s manager, expressed his satisfaction with the team’s display. He highlighted the desire and reaction shown by his players, especially considering that many had only recently returned to training after the World Cup. Arteta noted that the performance was impressive and reflected the players’ commitment and quality.
Arteta also praised Christos Tzolis, describing him as an intelligent player with significant quality in the final third of the pitch. He believes Tzolis’s composure and ability to create and finish actions make him a decisive player. The manager also commented on the team’s midfield, stating it is the best for Arsenal, providing variability and diversity needed against different opponents.
The manager emphasised the importance of the team’s preparation during pre-season and the players’ dedication to be ready for the competition. He stated that the manner in which the team competed sets a standard for them, and maintaining this level will ensure they remain competitive throughout the season.
Player and opponent perspectives
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard shared his team’s ambition, stating that they aimed to win the first trophy of the season. He noted that the team played brilliant football and demonstrated their readiness for the challenges ahead, aiming for more trophies.
On the other side, Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca acknowledged the impact of the early goal conceded. He mentioned that despite the setback, his team had several chances before Arsenal’s second goal. Maresca indicated that the team has many areas to improve and will analyse the game to prepare for their next fixture.
The match also saw some notable moments, including David Raya’s saves for Arsenal and a goal-line clearance by Josko Gvardiol for City. City’s new signing, Elliot Anderson, and Erling Haaland were withdrawn after an underwhelming performance. Jack Grealish and Declan Rice also made their returns to action during the game.
The victory marks a significant start for Arsenal, who are seeking to build on their previous season’s achievements. The last team to win the Community Shield and then the Premier League title was Manchester City in 2018/19.
Arteta also spoke about the attacking contributions of Riccardo Calafiori, describing him as a “total player” capable of fulfilling both offensive and defensive duties. He highlighted Calafiori’s intuition in and around the box for creating and scoring goals, provided he maintains his physical condition.
Regarding Martin Odegaard’s performance, Arteta expressed optimism, noting that the player had missed several months due to various issues. He believes that if Odegaard can stay fit and available this year, a “very different Martin” will be seen, driven by a strong desire to prove himself for the team.
The manager also touched upon the challenge of squad selection, particularly the limitations on the number of players allowed in matchday squads. He called it the most difficult part of his job, especially with the increasing number of games and the physical demands on players.
Arteta confirmed that the club is looking to strengthen certain areas of the squad, particularly where they are weaker due to injuries. He stated that they have been working on this for weeks and will act when the right opportunity arises. Declan Rice’s playing time was also discussed, with Arteta acknowledging Rice’s past ability to play consistently, hoping he can focus more on quality than volume this season.
The Community Shield win provides Arsenal with an early boost as they prepare for the upcoming Premier League season, which they aim to win again.
Source: skysports.com
