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Arsenal cruise Past Manchester City At halftime In Community Shield

Arsenal produced a stunning first-half performance to take a commanding 2-0 lead over Manchester City at the break in the 2026 Community Shield at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

Nnadebe Chukwuma2 min read
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The Gunners needed just seconds to make their mark. Riccardo Calafiori opened the scoring in the first minute, finishing after a clever move involving Myles Lewis-Skelly and immediately putting Manchester City under pressure.

Arsenal cruise Past Manchester City At halftime In Community Shield - Image 1

Mikel Arteta’s side continued to play with intensity and purpose, pressing City high and causing problems whenever they attempted to build from the back. Their pressure was rewarded again in the 28th minute when Kai Havertz doubled Arsenal’s advantage, heading home from Christos Tzolis’ delivery.

Manchester City struggled to find a response despite enjoying more possession. Erling Haaland and Phil Foden offered occasional threats, but Arsenal’s defensive organisation prevented the FA Cup winners from creating enough clear-cut opportunities.

Arsenal cruise Past Manchester City At halftime In Community Shield - Image 2

The match is also a significant moment for City boss Enzo Maresca, who is taking charge of his first competitive match since replacing Pep Guardiola. Arsenal, meanwhile, are looking to begin their campaign with silverware after winning the Premier League title last season and ending a 22-year wait for the championship.

With Arsenal two goals ahead at halftime, Arteta’s men are firmly in control and will enter the second half with a major opportunity to secure the first trophy of the new campaign

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