Mikel Arteta praised Arsenal’s growing maturity and squad depth after the Gunners swept Manchester City aside 3-0 to win the Community Shield in Cardiff.
Riccardo Calafiori scored inside the opening half-minute before Kai Havertz doubled Arsenal’s advantage and captain Martin Odegaard completed the victory shortly after half-time.
Christos Tzolis also produced two assists, while David Raya kept Manchester City out at the other end as Arsenal began the new campaign with silverware.
The result was particularly encouraging for Arteta because several established players did not even start.
Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Martin Zubimendi and Viktor Gyokeres were all named among the substitutes, highlighting the options available to the Arsenal manager despite William Saliba and Jurrien Timber remaining unavailable.
Mikel Arteta on players omitted from the Arsenal squad today: “It’s really sad. I’ve been fighting with the Premier League to extend & accommodate more players in the squad. They deserve to be in the squad, so hopefully we can change that rule.” ❌😤 pic.twitter.com/OYipRM6Iac
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) August 16, 2026
Mikel Arteta praises Arsenal response against Man City
Speaking after the victory, Arteta highlighted the physical and tactical level Arsenal produced after an unusually short preparation for the new season.
Football.London’s post-match coverage detailed Arteta’s reaction as the manager reflected on a performance which justified his demand for Arsenal to hit their best level immediately.
The start could hardly have been better.
Myles Lewis-Skelly released Calafiori for the opener before Manchester City had settled, and Arsenal continued to attack rather than protecting their early advantage.
Havertz added the second before the break, with Tzolis involved, before Odegaard effectively ended the contest early in the second half.
Reuters described Arsenal as fitter, sharper and more confident than City during a dominant afternoon at the Principality Stadium.
Arsenal squad depth gives Arteta major encouragement
Perhaps the most significant aspect was the number of options Arteta still had available.
Rice and Saka only recently returned following their post-World Cup breaks, while Gyokeres and Zubimendi were also available from a bench containing several players capable of starting Premier League matches.
That depth gives Arsenal greater flexibility as they prepare to defend the title.
ReadArsenal highlighted the difficult selection decisions facing Arteta before the Manchester City game, but Sunday demonstrated why competition within the squad could become an advantage rather than a problem.
Arsenal are also continuing to assess the transfer market.
The club have explored further defensive reinforcement, with ReadArsenal reporting on their move for Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansah.
Arteta therefore has room for further improvement, but the Community Shield offered an early reminder of the strength already at his disposal.
A 3-0 victory over Manchester City will not decide the Premier League title race, but it was an emphatic way for Arsenal to begin their attempt to stay at the top.
Watch Arsenal vs Man City highlights | Community Shield
Watch Arsenal vs Man City highlights | Community Shield
Arsenal player ratings vs Man City: Tzolis 9.5 as Lewis-Skelly shines
Arsenal player ratings vs Man City: Tzolis 9.5 as Lewis-Skelly shines