Arsenal cruised to victory in the Community Shield, kicking off their Premier League title defence with a bang as they overwhelmed Manchester City 3-0.
Myles Lewis-Skelly - whose future at Arsenal has been in doubt throughout this transfer window - created the opener with a pinpoint pass into the box, with Riccardo Calafiori beating City’s back line to it and firing into the back of the net.
Kai Havertz doubled their advantage inside the first half-hour: the German scored with only his fourth touch of the match, with summer signing Christos Tzolis - who impressed throughout - nodding the ball into his path and City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma fumbling the ball into the net.
Lewis-Skelly and Tzolis were involved again in the Gunners’ third goal, with the Greek feeding Martin Odegaard to turn home their third shortly after the restart.
City threatened at points but had no response in the second half, with their new era under Enzo Maresca getting off to a poor start against the likely favourites for the title again this season.
Follow all the action with our liveblog below:
Read MoreEnzo Maresca reveals favourite to be new Manchester City captain after ruling out Erling Haaland
Why is the Community Shield not being played at Wembley?
Arsenal vs Man City LIVE
- Arsenal defeat Man City 3-0 in first clash of the new season | Live on TNT Sports
- '48 GOAL! Odegaard scores as Arsenal make blistering start to second half (ARS 3-0 MCI)
- '28 GOAL! Havertz doubles Gunners lead with fourth touch of match (ARS 2-0 MCI)
- 1' GOAL! Calafiori fires Arsenal ahead after 24 seconds (ARS 1-0 MCI)
Some reaction from Enzo Maresca
17:55 , Mike JonesThe Man City boss spoke to BBC Radio 5 Live and said: "I think the goal we conceded after 25 seconds unfortunately affected the game in that moment.
“I think after the goal, the reaction was quite good before they scored the second one, we had three or four chances to score and draw the game but unfortunately we conceded the second one and it became more complicated."
A quick start
17:50 , Mike JonesArsenal’s opener after 23 seconds was the quickest goal the Gunners have scored under Mikel Arteta - from a total of 668 goals.
More from Dias
17:45 , Mike JonesRueb Dias added: "I joined midway [in pre-season]. This is the third game since I have been back. The feeling has been good. Today is frustrating, and it is a final that we all wanted to win. If there is a lesson to be learnt in the final, let it be this one, as there's a lot more coming. It is a positive energy.
"The feeling of a lot of work to put into. It's part of any transition for things to be not so perfect in the beginning.
“You need to push through, you need to communicate, and make things work between us. I feel we're in a very good way, but we need to keep on working. There's going to be lots of challenges along the way."
Post match reaction from Ruben Dias
17:40 , Mike JonesThe Man City captain told TNT Sports: "Well, obviously not good enough. First of all, thank you to the fans that came. Obviously a long distance. Thank you to all of them for coming so far.
“It is the beginning of the season, it is not good enough. In the end, this is just the start, and the most important thing is we're already looking forward and we will be ready for our next game.”
Player of the match
17:35 , Mike JonesMartin Odegaard completed the most passes (55/58) and dribbles (3/3) of any Arsenal player, as well as winning possession the most times for the Gunners (nine).
A bad start for Maresca
17:30 , Mike JonesThis is Enzo Maresca’s joint-heaviest defeat as a manager in England, having previously lost 3-0 with Chelsea to Brighton in February 2025.
In November 2021 his Parma lost 4-0 to Lecce in Serie B.
Tzolis on fire
17:25 , Mike JonesArsenal debutant Christos Tzolis became the first player to assist two goals in a Community Shield since David Beckham in 1996 (for Manchester United against Newcastle United).
A great signing?
17:17 , Mike JonesArsenal debutant Christos Tzolis assisted two goals - and played more passes into the final third than anyone else in the Gunners team.
Post match reaction from Martin Odegaard
17:13 , Mike JonesArsenal’s captain stopped by TNT Sports to chat about the match and the season ahead.
"We played some brilliant football. Great performance and a great way to start the season,” he said.
"I always want to help the team as much possible with goals and assists. I want to score more goals.
"We showed our level today. We're showed we're ready. We're serious and we want to do it again.
"We want to attack it. We want to do it again. When you get a taste of how nice it is you want to do it again.
"We want to win everything."
Arsenal win the Community Shield
17:12 , Mike JonesOdegaard takes a moment or two to build the tension then hoists the trophy high above his head.
Ribbons are fired out of a cannon, the music ramps up and the players begin their celebrations.
Arsenal are the 2026 Community Shield winners.
Arsenal receive their medals
17:09 , Mike JonesNow it’s the turn of the winning team and David Raya walks out in front to receive the winner’s medals. The fortunes are contrasting with big smiles written over the faces of the players and loud cheers from the fans.
Martin Odegaard brings up the rear and claims his medal before lifting the trophy and shuffling over to his gathered teammates.
The presentation
17:06 , Mike JonesThe match officials have been awarded their medals for taking charge of this game.
A stand has been set up on the side of the pitch and Manchester City’s players, led by Ruben Dias, receive their runners-up medals.
Obviously they are disappointed. It’s the medal none of the players would have wanted today.
Arsenal defeat Man City in Community Shield clash
17:02 , Mike JonesA big win for Arsenal in the Community Shield with Manchester City having some soul searching to do through the early stages of the season.
Full-time! Arsenal 3-0 Man City
17:00 , Flo CliffordContrasting scenes in Cardiff...
Full-time! Arsenal 3-0 Man City
16:57 , Mike Jones90+3 mins: There goes the whistle.
Arsenal, the Premier League champions, are also the 2026/27 Community Shield winners.
They’ve swept Manchester City aside and have backed up their designation as the favourites to win the top-flight title once again.
Enzo Maresca’s City were blown away and goals from Riccardo Calafiori, Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard were more than enough to secure another trophy for the Gunners.
Arsenal 3-0 Man City
16:53 , Mike Jones90 mins: Quite a few of the Man City supporters have packed up and are on their way to the exits.
Their teams has been outdone today. Arsenal have easily been the better team.
Three minutes of added time to play.
Arsenal 3-0 Man City
16:47 , Mike Jones86 mins: Grealish is hacked down by Odegaard who lunges into the tackle slightly too late.
The Arsenal captain collect a yellow card and it’s his final act of the game as Eze comes on to take his place.
Arsenal 3-0 Man City
16:45 , Mike Jones83 mins: It’s all Arsenal now.
They’re controlling the ball with ease and passing it around with ease and confidence.
Eberechi Eze is getting ready to come on.
Arsenal 3-0 Man City
16:43 , Mike Jones80 mins: Close! Saka has the chance to increase Arsenal’s lead with 10 minutes left remaining.
He snaps at a shot and just pulls it wide.
At the other end of the pitch, Semenyo dances into the box from the right and drills a sharp chance at goal only for Raya to drop and palm the ball clear with his right hand.
Arsenal 3-0 Man City
16:39 , Mike Jones77 mins: Arsenal make their final two changes with Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi brought on.
Kai Havertz and Myles Lewis-Skelly are the men replaced.
Arsenal 3-0 Man City
16:36 , Mike Jones73 mins: Raya is once more available for Arsenal as he denies Cherki.
The Man City substitute shoots from range, and records the first shot of target of the second half.
Raya has no trouble keeping it out.
Arsenal 3-0 Man City
16:34 , Mike Jones70 mins: Man City haven’t done anything to upset Arsenal in this half.
Tzolis looks to burst forward on the break having been supplied by Havertz.
Tzolis fires a pass over to Saka who tries to bring the ball down and touches it too heavily into the path of Donnarumma.
Arsenal 3-0 Man City
16:31 , Mike Jones66 mins: Man City have lost all their rhythm and more crucially their ruthlessness.
Arsenal look slick and composed both on and off the ball.
That has seemingly been the difference especially if you look at how similar the stats are for both teams.
Arsenal 3-0 Man City
16:26 , Mike Jones63 mins: More changes now.
Maresca brings on Rayan Cherki and Rico Lewis with Phil Foden and Elliot Anderson replaced.
For Arsenal, Piero Hincapie and Bukayo Saka replace Noni Madueke and Riccardo Calafiori.
Arsenal 3-0 Man City
16:21 , Mike Jones60 mins: An hour played in Cardiff and Arsenal have a firm grip on the Community Shield.
Man City are finding it difficult to play in behind the Gunners instead they’re just knocking the ball around in front of the Arsenal defence.
Grealish receives the ball on the left wing and fires int a decent cross but Josko Gvardiol’s attempted header goes wide.
Arsenal 3-0 Man City
16:20 , Mike Jones57 mins: Enzo Maresca has rung in the changes for Man City.
Erling Haaland and Nico O’Reilly are off with Omar Marmsoush and Marc Guehi replacing them.
Arsenal 3-0 Man City
16:19 , Mike Jones54 mins: Anderson looks to get Man City back on the front foot and flicks a cross into the box from his position on the inside right.
It’s not a great pass and the ball lands in the hands of David Raya.
Arsenal 3-0 Man City
16:13 , Mike Jones51 mins: There are plenty of worrying concerns on the faces of the Manchester City fans.
Their team have been outplayed and outclassed by the Premier League champions.
Is this a sign that Arsenal are now the dominant side in English football?
They’re certainly the dominant side in Cardiff today.
GOAL! Arsenal 3-0 Man City (Martin Odegaard, 48')
16:11 , Mike JonesThat could be that.
It’s a wonderful goal from Arsenal. Lewis-Skelly sends the ball out to Tzolis who waits for an underlapping run from Calafiori.
That pulls Ruben Dias out of position and Tzolis feeds the ball instead to Martin Odegaard.
Odegaard touches the ball past Josko Gvardiol, another touch sits down Donnarumma and then the Arsenal captain turns it home.
Second half! Arsenal 2-0 Man City
16:07 , Mike JonesEnzo Maresca has made a change at the break and Jack Grealish is being brought on in place of Jeremy Doku.
For Arsenal, Declan Rice is on replacing Bruno Guimaraes. A solid but unspectacular debut for the former Newcastle captain.
Foden restarts the match in Wales.
HT Arsenal 2-0 Man City
16:05 , Mike JonesKai Havertz has been involved in more goals against Manchester City (seven - four goals, three assists) than against any other side in his career.
HT Arsenal 2-0 Man City
16:00 , Mike JonesThe stats are pretty close between the teams.
Man City edged possession 59% to 41% but Arsenal have more shots (6) compared to City (5).
Shots on target were equal for both teams at three apiece but crucially Arsenal scored two of those efforts.
HT Arsenal 2-0 Man City
15:55 , Mike JonesThe goals came from Riccardo Calafiori and Kai Havertz as Arsenal took a two goal lead into the break.
Man City offered a couple of chances to get themselves back into the game but David Raya has been a rock for the Gunners.
Is there a way back for Enzo Maresca’s men?
Half-time! Arsenal 2-0 Man City
15:50 , Mike Jones45 mins: Another corner for Man City, right at the end of the first half.
Anderson fires it into the box once more and Raya plucks it out of the air.
The teams play out an added minute and the whistle goes with Arsenal two goals to the good.
Arsenal 2-0 Man City
15:48 , Mike Jones43 mins: Madueke drives Arsenal up the pitch on the break and dances inside.
He decides to shoot from range instead of picking out Tzolis on the left.
The effort lands in the hands of Donnarumma.
Arsenal 2-0 Man City
15:45 , Mike Jones40 mins: Oh wow!
Man City should have a goal back. First a lofty cross comes to Doku who supplies a square pass to Haaland.
Haaland shoots and forces a save out of Raya - low to his left.
City come at Arsenal again with Foden dribbling into the box from the right and slipping Semeyo to the byline.
Semenyo pulls back his pass and finds Doku whose effort is deflected over the crossbar!
Arsenal 2-0 Man City
15:43 , Mike Jones37 mins: No penalty!
Tzolis rolls a pass into the penalty area for Calafiori to run onto.
Khusanov leaps into a tackle but pulls out of it knowing he’s not getting to the ball. Calafiori expects contact and dives to the ground.
The referee sees it all and instead of awarding a penalty to Arsenal he pulls out a yellow card for simulation.
Arsenal 2-0 Man City
15:40 , Mike Jones34 mins: White and Doku fumble around with the City winger attempting to work his way forward on the left.
City are given the free kick and use it to send Doku forward. He darts inside and picks out Haaland’s run into the area.
Haaland shoots but lifts his effort high and wide.
Arsenal 2-0 Man City
15:34 , Mike Jones31 mins: Arsenal are in complete control now. Man City’s task now seems near impossible.
The Premier League champions have done the damage two thirds of the way through the first half in Cardiff.
The fans are in full voice too. They’re loving this.
GOAL! Arsenal 2-0 Man City (Kai Havertz, 28')
15:33 , Mike JonesAnother one!
It’s an error from Donnarumma but take nothing away from Tzolis again.
Odegaard whips a cross to the back post where Tzolis leans off Khusanov and nods the ball into the six-yard area.
Kai Havertz is there for a simple header towards goal and Donnarumma fumbles the ball over the line and into the back of the net.
Arsenal have their second goal!
Arsenal 1-0 Man City
15:28 , Mike Jones24 mins: Man City win a corner of their own and Anderson takes it.
He’s looking for Semenyo by the back post but Raya leaps highest and clings onto the ball.
Arsenal 1-0 Man City
15:26 , Mike Jones21 mins: Save!
Foden is given the ball by Antoine Semenyo and has plenty of space on the inside right channel.
Foden rolls the ball onto his left foot and shoots forcing David Raya to leap low to his right and palm the ball away.
A foul from Nico O’Reilly ends City’s attempt to get themselves an equaliser.
Arsenal 1-0 Man City
15:23 , Mike Jones18 mins: Close!
Man City work the ball quickly into the midfield where Phil Foden controls it and spins before slipping a pass to Elliot Anderson.
Anderson whips a quick cross into the penalty area and Erling Haaland throws his head at the ball only for it to skim his forehead and fly out of play.
A half chance for the big forward.
Arsenal 1-0 Man City
15:19 , Mike Jones15 mins: Noni Madueke wins the first corner of the game and it comes to Arsenal.
Wrestling in the box has been done away with due to new regulations and there seems to be a lot more space in the box for this set piece.
The ball is curled in and Nico O’Reilly is on hand to head it clear.
Arsenal recycle the ball and win another corner. Odegaard swings this one into the middle and there’s a tussle between Gabriel and Khusanov with the Arsenal defender the man punished.
Free kick to Man City.
Arsenal 1-0 Man City
15:16 , Mike Jones12 mins: Calafiori is back at left-back with Lewis-Skelly into a defensive midfield role especially with the Gunners out of possession.
It’s been quite fluid between the two players in switching things up, surely a sign that Mikel Arteta won’t want to let Lewis-Skelly leave during this transfer window, as has been rumoured.
Arsenal 1-0 Man City
15:13 , Mike Jones9 mins: Man City want to slow the game down a bit and have some time in possession.
They’ve been rocked by the early goal and need to regain some composure.
Arsenal push up the pitch and force them to retreat to Donnarumma. He sends the ball out to the left but Ben White leaps ahead of Doku and nods the ball out for a throw in.
Arsenal 1-0 Man City
15:11 , Mike Jones6 mins: Calafiori, playing in midfield as opposed to left-back, finds some space on the inside left channel and works the ball wide to Tzolis.
Tzolis, Arsenal’s new signing, drills a low cross into the area and a deflection loops the ball up into the arms of Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Arsenal are in control of this game. They’ve started as the better team.
Arsenal 1-0 Man City
15:09 , Mike Jones3 mins: That goal came from Lewis-Skelly’s pinpoint pass. The left-back moved up the pitch and fed the ball through the City defence into the path of Calafiori.
What a brilliant start to the game. Enzo Maresca’s Man City now have their first obstacle to overcome.
Jeremy Doku attacks down their left side and is cleaned out. The ball rolls out of play and the referee awards a throw in to Arsenal.
GOAL! Arsenal 1-0 Man City (Riccardo Calafiori, 1')
15:06 , Mike JonesWow!
Tzolis crosses the ball over to Noni Madueke who sends it back inside.
Myles Lewis-Skelly has the ball and threads it straight into the area where Calafiori jumps onto the ball and fires it into the back of the net!
Arsenal take the lead with 24 seconds on the clock!
Kick off! Arsenal 0-0 Man City
15:05 , Mike JonesArsenal get the ball rolling and knock it around the back before feeding Martin Odegaard.
He releases it to Riccardo Calafiori who sends the ball to Christos Tzolis to drive the ball forward on the left...
Arsenal v Man City
15:01 , Mike JonesThe teams make their way out onto the pitch at the Principality Stadium.
Both clubs will feel as though they can win this one with Manchester City perhaps starting with the stronger line-up.
Let’s see how everything plays out. Kick off is up next...
Arteta on the Community Shield setting the tone
15:02 , Mike Jones“We’re going to have a really strong opponent, but we are really excited to start the season, to start with the first trophy as well,” Mikel Arteta said.
“I sense a really good energy around the place; all the internationals are back, and we can’t wait to start competing.
“It’s a trophy that we can have because we managed last year to win the Premier League, and you can tell how hungry the players are, which is a good sign.
“That’s what we want, and adapting to the circumstances and the kind of preparation that we have. But I said it the other day, I love the way the players have come back, most of them earlier than expected, really fit with all the testing, and they all seem in great condition.
“The moment they start to look at each other and look at the squad that we have and what we are building, there is a lot of excitement around it.”
Arteta's Community Shield record
14:42 , Mike JonesMikel Arteta won both of his Community Shield matches as a player (2014, 2015), and has won both so far as a manager (2020, 2023), with both managerial victories coming via a penalty shootout.
Can he triumph again?
Enzo Maresca reveals favourite to be new Manchester City captain after ruling out Erling Haaland
14:30 , Richard JollyRuben Dias is in pole position to become Manchester City’s next captain – because Erling Haaland scores so many goals.
New manager Enzo Maresca is yet to pick the next skipper, after Bernardo Silva left to join Real Madrid, but for now defender Dias and striker Haaland are the only two of the previous leadership group left in contention.
Maresca reveals favourite to be new Man City captain after ruling out Haaland
Man City's great run
14:24 , Mike JonesMan City have lost just one of their last 12 games in all competitions (nine wins, two draws), though it was their final game of 2025/26 season against Aston Villa with little to play for.
Maresca on Arsenal
14:18 , Mike JonesThe Man City manager also spoke about today’s opponents Arsenal.
He said: “Arsenal have shown in the last two, three, four, five years that they have been always there. It’s a fantastic team, well managed by Mikel [Arteta].
“Last year they won the Premier League, they showed how good they are in this moment.
“But at the same time, we are City and we are going to try to close the gap and try to compete again.”
The importance of the Community Shield
14:12 , Mike Jones“For me personally it is a trophy,” Enzo Maresca explained in his pre-match press conference ahead of today’s match.
“When trophies and a final are there, you always try to win the game.
“So, no friendly game at all. It’s a trophy that we are going to try our best to win, to win the first trophy.”
Maresca confirms fully fit Man City squad... almost
14:06 , Mike JonesManchester City have a fully fit squad for today’s Community Shield encounter according to boss Enzo Maresca though there is one issue.
“The only one is Ryan McAidoo who in pre-season had a small problem but he has already worked with us,” Maresca said at his pre-match news conference.
“So everyone is fit knowing that some of them just arrived two days ago.”
Tijjani Reijnders’s Manchester City exit is a parable of modern football
14:03 , Lawrence OstlereThe Dutch midfielder is set to be sold by Manchester City only one season into a five-year contract when he joins Saudi Pro League club Al Qadsiah.
Tijjani Reijnders’s Manchester City exit is a parable of modern football
Man City team to take on Arsenal
14:01 , Mike JonesMan City XI: Donnarumma, Khusanov, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly, Kovačić, Anderson, Semenyo, Foden, Doku, Haaland
Arsenal team to take on Man City
13:52 , Mike JonesArsenal XI: Raya; White, Gabriel, Mosquera, Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly; Guimaraes, Odegaard; Madueke, Havertz, Tzolis
🔴 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 ⚪️
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 16, 2026
Mikel names a strong starting XI 👊
🤝Presented by @deel pic.twitter.com/bckDyMazRo
Arsenal boss on transfers
13:42 , Mike Jones“It’s a very exciting part of the season, when a lot of things happen,” Mikel Arteta said of the transfer window.
“I think you create excitement; there’s an opportunity as well to evolve. There's also a good way to understand what every player is feeling. We are trying the maximum that we can to end up in 14 days, 13 days in the best possible condition to compete for every possible competition.
“It’s always the case; there’s an opportunity there to go both ways, and we’ll have to see how the market responds and what we as a club can do.”
Arteta gives update on Timber
13:36 , Mike JonesThe Arsenal manager said: “Jurrien [Timber] is progressing really well, he is on the pitch. We are ramping up now with certain actions and especially the volume and the load, and
“I think he is on a good trajectory, but there are still a few weeks to go.
“He needs to start training with the group in the next week or so, hopefully, and then see how he progresses from there.
“It’s been a long-term issue right now, and we want to make sure that every step that we take is the right one, he feels right to do that and he’s such an important player for us.”
Inside Man City’s midfield rebuild and the £300m question that will shape their future
13:30 , Richard JollyThere was a particularly distinguished passenger on a distinctly unglamorous airline. Rodri was on the Ryanair flight to Liverpool and part of the surprise for some was that, via Merseyside, he was returning to Manchester at all. The subject of bids from Barcelona, Rodri’s future may lie in his native Spain rather than at Manchester City.
It is so far unknown if he incurred Ryanair’s infamous fines for bringing the World Cup’s Golden Ball in hand luggage or whether he stowed it under a seat.
Inside Man City’s midfield rebuild and £300m question that will shape their future
Unbeaten City
13:24 , Mike JonesThis is just Manchester City’s second ever match at the Principality Stadium, with the other coming in a Uefa Cup qualifying match against TNS in August 2003,
They won that fixture 2-0. So, I guess, City can claim to be unbeaten at this ground. Will that give them an edge over Arsenal?
A homecoming for Arsenal... sort of?
13:18 , Mike JonesArsenal have won all three of our Community Shield matches against Manchester City.
During the period it was first used between 2001 and 2007, the Gunners played more games at the Principality Stadium than any other side (10).
City have the edge over Arsenal?
13:12 , Mike JonesOn the last 10 occasions the Community Shield has been between the league champions and the FA Cup winners, the FA Cup holders have won eight times.
The exceptions were both Man City, beating Chelsea in 2018 and Man Utd in 2024.
City to finish second best?
13:06 , Mike JonesManchester City last won the Community Shield in 2024, beating Manchester United on penalties.
However, they’ve been runners-up in the match nine times, with only their neighbours doing so more (10).
Arsenal's Community Shield record
13:00 , Mike JonesOnly Manchester United (21) have won the Community Shield more often than Arsenal (17, including shared).
The Gunners have won each of their last five such fixtures.
They have also won all three matches as reigning Premier League champions (1998, 2002, 2004).
Mikel Arteta coy over Ezri Konsa and Jarell Quansah links
12:54 , Mike JonesMikel Arteta has remained coy over Arsenal’s pursuit of Ezri Konsa and Jarell Quansah but asserted his desire to “improve the squad” as he looks to plug gaps in his defence caused by injury.
The defending English champions raise the curtain on their season with the Community Shield on Sunday, taking on FA Cup winners Manchester City at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium.
Mikel Arteta coy over Ezri Konsa and Jarell Quansah links amid Arsenal injury woes
Delighted to have Community Shield back at Principality Stadium
12:48 , Mike Jones"We are absolutely delighted to be welcoming the FA Community Shield back to Principality Stadium,” said Welsh Rugby Union chief financial and operating officer Gavin Marshall.
“This fixture has a special place in the stadium's history and to be hosting it again for the first time in 20 years is a tremendously proud moment for everyone here.
"Principality Stadium has built its reputation on delivering world-class events and creating truly special occasions for fans, and this is no different.
“We know from experience the atmosphere this stadium generates when it is at capacity, and we are fully committed to ensuring supporters of both clubs have an unforgettable experience on 16 August. This is exactly the kind of occasion this stadium was made for, and we cannot wait to welcome everyone to Cardiff."
Why is the Community Shield not being played at Wembley?
12:42 , Will CastleThe 2026 Community Shield is being played at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium for the first time in 20 years due to the match clashing with The Weeknd’s tour dates at Wembley.
The match between the Premier League champions and FA Cup winners, which this year pits Arsenal against Manchester City, is traditionally played at Wembley, but the iconic stadium was unavailable on Sunday 16 August “due to pre-planned concerts”, as revealed by the FA back in March.
The Weeknd is playing five dates at Wembley between 14 and 19 August, with “The Home of Football” being chosen to stage his London performances.
The forced change has brought the Community Shield back to the venue that hosted six editions between 2001 and 2006 while the new-look Wembley was under construction.
Arsenal v Man City prediction
12:36 , Mike JonesHere’s The Independent’s Chief Sports Writer, Lawrence Ostlere, giving his predition for today’s match:
A difficult game to call, given the rotated line-ups on show and the unsettled pre-seasons following the World Cup.
“We give Arsenal a slight edge here, to win 2-1.”
Predicted teams for Community Shield
12:30 , Mike JonesWith both teams unlikely to start a few of their key players for this Community Shield Clash here’s how we see the two teams lining up today:
Predicted Arsenal XI: Kepa; White, Salmon, Gabriel, Hincapie; Bruno Guimaraes, Odegaard, Eze; Dowman, Gyokeres, Martinelli.
Predicted Manchester City XI: Donnarumma; Ait-Nouri, Gvardiola, Dias, Nunes; Kovacic, Gonzalez; Semenyo, Foden, Echeverri; Marmoush.
Man City's early team news
12:24 , Mike JonesManchester City are without Rodri, who underwent minor back surgery at the end of July after captaining Spain to World Cup glory. Abdukodir Khusanov missed the recent friendly against Atletico Madrid for personal reasons.
For City, Erling Haaland, Marc Guehi, Nico O’Reilly, new signing Elliot Anderson, Rayan Cherki and Jeremy Doku have only recently returned to training and are unlikely to start the game.
Arsenal's early team news
12:18 , Mike JonesThe Gunners will start the new campaign without key centre-back William Saliba after the France international suffered a back injury during the World Cup. Jurrien Timber is also injured and his return is “weeks away”, according to Arteta.
Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, Mikel Merino, David Raya and Martin Zubimendi are unlikely to start with only a few days’ training under their belts.
How to watch Arsenal v Man City
12:12 , Mike JonesThe game will be broadcast live on TNT Sports in the UK.
Subscribers can watch online via the HBO Max app and website.
Coverage begins at 2pm.
When is the Community Shield?
12:06 , Mike JonesArsenal take on Manchester City at 3pm BST today, Sunday 16 August, at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
Arsenal v Man City
12:00 , Mike JonesPremier League champions Arsenal take on FA Cup winners Manchester City in the Community Shield on Sunday.
The curtain-raiser to the Premier League season takes place at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, relocated from its usual home at Wembley due to a series of concerts by The Weeknd at the London venue.
Arsenal won their first league title for 22 years when they finished top of the pile in May, seven points clear of Pep Guardiola’s City, and Mikel Arteta will hope to pick up where they left off as they bid to defend their crown.
City, who beat Chelsea 1-0 in the FA Cup final, begin a new era under Enzo Maresca after a decade of success led by Guardiola – although the club begin the new season with the threat of possible sanctions still hanging over them.
Good afternoon!
11:55 , Mike JonesWelcome to The Independent’s coverage of today’s Community Shield action.
The new season has begun in the EFL but Premier League clubs, Arsenal and Manchester City get their first taste of competitive football when they come face-top-face at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
Enzo Maresca has replaced Pep Guardiola as City’s boss and there’s been reinforcements for both clubs so today’s outing will give us a feel for how they’re shaping up ahead of the start of the season.
Kick off is at 3pm and we’ll have all the build up, team news and line-ups throughout the afternoon.
