Arsenal have started the new season in stunning fashion after cruising to a 3-0 victory over Manchester City in the 2026 FA Community Shield at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on Sunday, August 16.

The Gunners wasted no time making their mark, with Riccardo Calafiori opening the scoring just 23 seconds into the match to give Arsenal a dream start.

Arsenal continued to control proceedings and doubled their advantage in the 28th minute when Kai Havertz rose highest to head home and put the London side firmly in command before the break.

Manchester City struggled to find a response as Arsenal maintained their intensity and kept their opponents under pressure.

Captain Martin Ødegaard then put the result beyond doubt early in the second half, adding Arsenal’s third goal and completing a dominant display from Mikel Arteta’s side.

The comprehensive victory gives Arsenal an early psychological boost ahead of the new campaign, while City will be left to reflect on a disappointing performance in the traditional curtain-raiser to the English season.

For Arsenal, lifting the Community Shield provides an encouraging start as the club looks to compete for major honours in the 2026/27 campaign.

The 3-0 triumph also underlines Arsenal’s attacking threat and defensive organisation, with the Gunners keeping a clean sheet against one of their biggest domestic rivals.

The result is likely to generate plenty of excitement among Arsenal supporters, who will now hope the Community Shield success can set the tone for a highly successful season.