Arsenal warmed up for their Premier League title defence with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Manchester City in the FA Community Shield on Sunday.
Riccardo Calafiori opened the scoring at the Principality Stadium after just 23 seconds before Kai Havertz and captain Martin Ødegaard secured a convincing win in Cardiff.
The statement result will serve as a timely confidence boost for the Gunners as they go in search of a first successful league title defence in 91 years.
For Man City, the defeat marked a disappointing start to life under new manager Enzo Maresca, who is looking to rebuild the club following Pep Guardiola’s departure.
Arteta praises ‘really good performance’
After the match, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said on Sky Sports: “A really good performance so early in the season.
“To play at that level and to show the desire that we showed, I was really impressed and I said to them that I really enjoyed watching them play.
“Eight or nine [players] arrived just five days ago to get tested – they trained two days and to play in that manner is extremely impressive.
“It tells you how much those players want it, the level of desire we have and the quality we have.”
Maresca promises Man City improvement
Maresca, meanwhile, stated: “A big part of the game is the first goal we concede – after, the reaction is good.
“Before they score the second goal, we had three or four chances to score. Then, with the second goal, it became more difficult.
“In general, I’m always concerned – even when we win games.
“We just started. This is the beginning. We have many things to do better.
“Now we try to reset, analyse the game and think from Tuesday about the next game.”
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Ødegaard, Arsenal ‘ready to go’
Ødegaard echoed his manager’s thoughts, saying: “We wanted to start here with the first trophy.
“We played some brilliant football – it was a great performance, a great way to start the season, so let’s keep it going.
“It was good for everyone to see our level.
“We showed that we’re ready, we’re serious, we want to do it again and there’s more trophies to go.
“We’re well prepared and ready to go.”
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Juliette White