**Mikel Arteta** articulated his thoughts on **Community Shield** opponents **Manchester City**.
**Arsenal** achieved their first **Premier League** crown in 22 years to earn the right to play in this fixture for the third time under their Basque boss. They also defeated the _Citizens_ in a penalty shootout at **Wembley Stadium** in 2023, laying down a marker that they would not be easily beatdown after City stormed to the treble, and another victory on Sunday shall signal their intent to make their own era.
· **‘I sense a really good energy’**
------------------------------------
It will be the first time that City take to the field with **Enzo Maresca** in the dugout. Arteta’s men drew twice with **Chelsea** in the three **Premier League** contests that the Italian oversaw during his stint at **Stamford Bridge**, so a close clash can be expected. Above all, with a shot at silverware on the line, Arteta wants the _Gunners_ to go out and consolidate the foundations from the rest of preseason.
_“We’re going to have a really strong opponent, but we are really excited to start the season, to start with the first trophy as well. I sense a really good energy around the place; all the internationals are back, and we can’t wait to start competing._
_“It’s a trophy that we can have because we managed last year to win the_ **_Premier League,_** _and you can tell how hungry the players are, which is a good sign._
_“I love the way the players have come back, most of them earlier than expected, really fit with all the testing, and they all seem in great condition. The moment they start to look at each other and look at the squad that we have and what we are building, there is a lot of excitement around it._
_“Now it’s Enzo, who is as good as him because I know him well. He’ll provide something different to the club and I wish him the best._
_“I know Enzo has the character and especially the knowledge to do an unbelievable job there. That’s why he has been selected, because they can probably pick anybody, and they’ve gone for Enzo for the right reasons. He has demonstrated at every level, when he’s gone to the_ **_Champions League_**_, what he’s done at_ **_Chelsea_** _and now at City. I’m sure he’ll do a great job.”_