Arsenal took the lead after just 23 seconds, doubled their advantage thanks to some static City defending in the 23rd minute, and then added a third three minutes into the second half.
Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown told TNT Sports at the end of the game: “The gap was really quite stunning.
“Arsenal really let the handbrake off, but Manchester City looked lifeless. Arsenal have made a real statement of intent. Their biggest problem is who does Arteta pick? Man City have a lot more problems.”
Manchester City received “a bit of a schooling”, according to former Scotland striker Ally McCoist, who added: “I know it’s early days and but it is concerning for Manchester City.”
The underlying numbers showed how Arsenal dominated. The Gunners created 2.19 expected goals (xG) compared to City’s 0.77 and, intriguingly for Arsenal, none of their xG came from set-pieces.
That metric gauges how likely chances are to result in goals, taking into account a range of variables, and Arsenal finished with almost three times the xG total of City.
This was Arsenal’s biggest victory to nil against Manchester City since August 2014 (also 3-0 in the Community Shield), while it was City’s heaviest defeat to nil against an English side since a 4-0 defeat in November 2024 against Tottenham.
“We played some brilliant football. Great performance and a great way to start the season,” Arsenal captain Odegaard told TNT Sports.
“We showed our level today. We’re showed we’re ready. We’re serious and we want to do it again.”
Arsenal’s players and fans were happy to celebrate their second trophy in four months, but just how seriously should we view their performance in a relatively minor competition?
Ten-time Community Shield winner Sir Alex Ferguson said in 2011 he had always thought of the match simply “as a stepping stone” to the season ahead.
In fact, since the Premier League started in 1992-93, only eight of the 34 winners of the Charity Shield or Community Shield have gone on to win the league.
Manchester City, in 2018-19, were the last team to do so – and before that it was Ferguson’s Manchester United in 2010-11.