Premier League champions Arsenal achieved a significant victory against their rivals Manchester City to secure the 2026 Community Shield in Cardiff.
Mikel Arteta’s team went ahead in just 23 seconds as Myles Lewis-Skelly set up Riccardo Calafiori, who pushed a shot beyond Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Arsenal extended their advantage in the 28th minute with a downward header from Kai Havertz, following a nod back across goal by summer recruit Christos Tzolis from Martin Odegaard’s cross.
Three minutes into the second half, Tzolis located Odegaard in the City box, and the Norwegian sent Donnarumma to the ground with a superb feint before slotting the ball into the far corner.
The Gunners’ triumph against the FA Cup champions earned them their second trophy in four months and marked their 18th Community Shield title overall.
The game took place at Principality Stadium, as Wembley is hosting Canadian artist The Weeknd’s ‘After Hours till Dawn’ tour.
Greek forward Tzolis excelled on the left flank of Arsenal’s attack, providing two assists.
The 24-year-old contributed to a league-leading 40 goals for Club Brugge last season, netting 17 goals and delivering 23 assists.
Tzolis, acquired by Arsenal for £34m this summer, has returned to England after making 30 appearances for Norwich from 2021 to 2024.
Recent addition Bruno Guimaraes also began Arsenal’s victory but had a more subdued performance at the heart of the Gunners’ midfield.
Lewis-Skelly stood out by assisting Arsenal’s first goal while being linked with transfers to Chelsea and Manchester United.
Odegaard had a shot blocked off the line by Josko Gvardiol just prior to halftime, while Bukayo Saka, who came on in the second half, sent a shot over from a favourable position toward the end.
