English professional football club Arsenal has decisively defeated Manchester City, newly led by manager Enzo Maresca, in the season-opening Community Shield.

Arsenal secured a 3-0 victory against Manchester City in the 2026-2027 Community Shield held at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, on August 16, powered by Riccardo Calafiori's opening and winning goal just 23 seconds into the match.

The Community Shield is a single-match showdown between the previous season's Premier League (EPL) and FA Cup champions.

Arsenal claimed their first EPL title in 22 years last season, while Manchester City lifted the FA Cup.

With this result, Arsenal extended their winning streak against Manchester City in the competition to four matches, including a penalty shootout victory.

Above all, Arsenal firmly asserted their dominance over Manchester City, who are widely expected to be their main competitors for major titles this season.

Notably, this match also marked the official debut of Enzo Maresca, who took the helm at Manchester City as the successor to Pep Guardiola.

It proved to be a "nightmare debut" for Maresca.

The momentum of the game shifted just 23 seconds after kickoff.

Receiving a pass from Myles Lewis-Skelly, Calafiori found the back of the net with a left-footed shot.

This marked the first time a goal was scored within the opening minute of a Community Shield match in 58 years, since Bobby Owen of Manchester City scored against West Bromwich Albion in the 1968 edition.

After fending off Manchester City's intense attacks with saves from goalkeeper David Raya, Arsenal doubled their lead in the 28th minute of the first half.

A cross from Martin Ødegaard was headed across by new signing Christos Tzolis, and Kai Havertz met it in front of the goal to pierce the net.

Tzolis also assisted Arsenal's third goal, which came 3 minutes into the second half.

Receiving a pass from Tzolis, Ødegaard faked out goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma in front of the goal before scoring to cap off the resounding victory.

Erling Haaland, Manchester City's primary goalscorer who claimed the EPL Golden Boot with 27 goals last season, remained silent with only 7 touches and was substituted early in the 8th minute of the second half.

Rodri, Manchester City's core midfielder who led Spain at the 2026 North and Central America World Cup, was left out of the matchday squad entirely.

He has been linked with a transfer to FC Barcelona (Spain).

It was assessed that Elliott Anderson, signed from Nottingham Forest, fell short of filling the void left by Rodri.

Anderson was substituted for Rico Lewis in the 15th minute of the second half, leaving deep disappointment behind.

After the match, Arsenal captain Ødegaard stated, "We showed that we are ready. There are more trophies left. That is our goal," setting his sights on consecutive EPL titles.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta also said, "Our team's biggest asset was that every single player contributed to the championship, and I think this season will be the exact same."

Defeated manager Maresca remarked, "I always worry even when we win, so imagine how it is when we don't win like this," adding, "We are just starting. Today's match was merely the beginning."

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)