Viktor Gyokeres has made Arsenal’s intentions clear ahead of Sunday’s Community Shield against Manchester City, rejecting any suggestion that the season curtain-raiser should be treated like a friendly.
Mikel Arteta’s Premier League champions travel to Cardiff looking to claim their first silverware of 2026/27 after completing pre-season with a 1-1 draw against Como.
Gyokeres expects the intensity to rise considerably at the Principality Stadium.
When it was put to the Arsenal striker that the Community Shield could be viewed as a friendly, Gyokeres appeared bemused by the suggestion before making clear that the Gunners intend to compete for the trophy. talkSPORT carries the striker’s comments, with Arsenal approaching Sunday’s game as much more than another pre-season exercise.
A reminder that Viktor Gyökeres has won the league in each of the last three seasons:
2023/24 – Liga Portugal 🏆
2024/25 – Liga Portugal 🏆
2025/26 – Premier League 🏆
Can he make it four in a row? pic.twitter.com/WwGAPKVFL0
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) August 14, 2026
Arsenal vs Man City carries early silverware incentive
Gyokeres’ attitude matches Arteta’s message ahead of the game.
The Arsenal manager stressed on Friday that the Community Shield is a trophy his side earned the opportunity to compete for by winning the Premier League last season. He also highlighted the hunger within his squad after several players returned from their summer breaks earlier than expected.
That should remove any doubt about Arsenal’s approach.
Sunday comes only five days before the Premier League title defence begins against Coventry City, but Arteta has the opportunity to establish an early winning rhythm against one of Arsenal’s biggest domestic rivals.
Gyokeres will also have something to prove individually.
The Sweden striker scored 21 goals last season and remains an important part of Arteta’s attacking options despite Arsenal continuing to reshape the squad this summer. A strong performance against City would be an ideal way to begin another competitive campaign.
Supporters can find how to watch Arsenal v Man City, including the UK TV channel and 3pm BST kick-off time on ReadArsenal.
Manchester City are approaching the match with the same mentality. New head coach Enzo Maresca has also rejected the idea that Sunday’s game is merely a friendly as he looks to win silverware in his first competitive fixture in charge.
For Gyokeres and Arsenal, the objective is therefore straightforward: start the season by winning.
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