Arsenal’s Community Shield Victory Sets High Expectations for New Season

Mikel Arteta emphasized that Arsenal’s commanding 3-0 victory over Manchester City in the Community Shield must establish the benchmark for the upcoming season. The match, held at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, saw Riccardo Calafiori net the fastest goal in this fixture since 1968, scoring just 23 seconds into the game from a pass by Myles Lewis-Skelly. Kai Havertz doubled the lead in the 28th minute, while captain Martin Ødegaard added a third goal three minutes into the second half.

Despite starting with key players like Erling Haaland and new signing Elliot Anderson—who transferred to City from Nottingham Forest for £116 million ($157 million)—Manchester City failed to apply significant pressure on Arsenal throughout the match.

“We talked about the desire that we have to start the season and to show ourselves how much we want it,” Arteta stated. “I certainly saw a lot of positive things there against a top opponent. It is down to the preparation that we did in preseason, the decisions that the boys have taken after the World Cup, to continue to get prepared, to come early and be part of this.” He expressed pride in how the team competed, remarking, “That is the standard for us. If we drive the standards at this level, I am sure we are going to be really competitive.”

Arteta also reiterated his advocacy for the Premier League to expand squad sizes, particularly for outfield players, remarking that training and match demands are increasing: “I’ve been trying to persuade the Premier League and the clubs to be able to extend the number of players that we can have… It is the most difficult part of the job.” Notably, Arsenal’s matchday squad excluded Gabriel Martinelli, Ethan Nwaneri, and Gabriel Jesus.

Arsenal is set to kick off their Premier League campaign on Friday against Coventry City at the Emirates.

Special Credits: Image Courtesy of Espn