Arsenal Send Huge Statement After Beating Manchester City 3-0
Arsenal have made an emphatic statement ahead of the new Premier League season after defeating Manchester City 3-0 in the Community Shield.
The result was particularly impressive because Arsenal dominated large parts of the match and produced a convincing performance against a Manchester City side beginning a new era under manager Enzo Maresca. citeturn0news45turn0news42
Riccardo Calafiori opened the scoring inside the opening minute after connecting with a superb pass from Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Kai Havertz then doubled Arsenal’s advantage before captain Martin Ødegaard completed the scoring in the second half.
The performance has immediately increased expectations around Arsenal, who are preparing to defend their Premier League title.
Lewis-Skelly Impresses Again
One of the biggest talking points was the performance of Myles Lewis-Skelly.
The academy graduate assisted Calafiori’s early goal and once again demonstrated his versatility and quality.
His performance comes at an interesting time because reports have suggested that Arsenal have been considering his future amid interest from other Premier League clubs, including Manchester United and Chelsea. citeturn0news46turn0search20
That situation has already caused debate among Arsenal supporters.
Selling a highly-rated academy player after such a strong performance would be a major decision, particularly when Lewis-Skelly remains only 19.
Arsenal vs Manchester City
While the Community Shield is not a Premier League fixture, Arsenal’s performance will give supporters plenty of encouragement before the league campaign begins.
Manchester City, meanwhile, have plenty of work to do.
Maresca has confirmed that City intend to remain active in the transfer market following the defeat. The club have already spent heavily, including a reported £116 million on Elliot Anderson. citeturn0news42
The Premier League season begins on August 21, with Arsenal hosting Coventry City.