Mikel Arteta was seen having an intense exchange with goalkeeper David Raya immediately after Arsenal's second goal against Manchester City.
David Raya and Mikel Arteta exchange words during Arsenal vs Manchester City in the 2026 Community Shield final
David Raya and Mikel Arteta had an intense conversation (Image: TNT Sports)
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta spent little time celebrating Kai Havertz's goal in the Community Shield, instead focusing on delivering an intense message to goalkeeper David Raya. An animated Arteta wore a stern expression as he spoke to Raya on the touchline while the rest of the Gunners' team celebrated their second goal of the match against Manchester City at the Principality Stadium.
The exchange appeared intense but was not confrontational, with Spanish World Cup winner Raya gesturing up the field as he conversed with his manager. "We're up 2-nil and Arteta is still telling Raya what he needs to improve lmao. Man is a demon," remarked one supporter on X. Another fan, however, believed Raya had actively sought out his manager. "David Raya went to Mikel Arteta for more notes instead of going to celebrate the 2nd goal," they commented.
Transfer news LIVE: Hall to Man Utd breakthrough, Arsenal want Quansah, Chelsea £51m bid
Arsenal had taken the lead against their Premier League rivals in Cardiff courtesy of a goal from Riccardo Calafiori inside the first minute. Myles Lewis-Skelly's incisive pass cut through City's backline as the Italian got the new campaign off to a flying start.
Although Havertz doubled the Londoners' advantage after 28 minutes, capitalising on some clumsy goalkeeping from Gianluigi Donnarumma, Raya was still required to remain sharp for the champions.
He produced a fine low save to deny a curling effort from Phil Foden before pulling off a commanding close-range stop from Erling Haaland later in the first half.
This was Raya's first appearance of pre-season after returning from the World Cup. Arsenal's first-choice keeper was the back-up to Unai Simon in the United States as Spain defeated Argentina in the final to win their second World Cup.
Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
Arsenal v Manchester City - 2026 FA Community Shield
Kai Havertz made it 2-0 to Arsenal (Image: Getty)
Arsenal made it 3-0 early into the second half when captain Martin Odegaard brilliantly finished from close range after Christos Tzolis' pass into the penalty box.
Arteta's team kickstart their Premier League title defence against newly-promoted Coventry City, managed by Frank Lampard, this Friday (August 21) at the Emirates Stadium.
A tough start then sees them travel to Villa Park to face Europa Conference League winners Aston Villa before hosting London rivals Chelsea. They play away matches against Sunderland and Brighton before the extended two-week international break.