Live: Arsenal defeats Manchester City decisively to win the 2026 Community Shield before the Premier League season starts. The Gunners clinch the title with a commanding victory.
On 16 August 2026, the 2026 Community Shield, the English champions' showdown before the 2026-27 Premier League season, featured Premier League champions Arsenal, known as the "Gunners," facing FA Cup winners Manchester City, nicknamed the "Sky Blues."
In the first half, just 25 seconds after kickoff, Arsenal took an early 1-0 lead with a strike from Riccardo Calafiori. Kai Havertz then extended the lead to 2-0 in the 28th minute.
In the second half, Manchester City still appeared dazed before Arsenal added a third goal from Martin Ødegaard, sealing a 3-0 victory for the Gunners. This win marks Arsenal’s 18th Community Shield title.
Arsenal’s impressive win boosts their confidence as they prepare to defend their Premier League title, opening the 2026-27 season at home against newly promoted Coventry City on Friday, 21 August.
Meanwhile, Manchester City, adjusting to new head coach Enzo Maresca, will start their Premier League campaign at home against Bournemouth on Sunday, 23 August.
Arsenal (4-2-3-1 formation)David Raya (goalkeeper), Ben White, Cristian Mosquera, Gabriel Magalhães, Piero Inca Pie, Bruno Guimarães, Miles Lewis-Skelly, Noni Madueke, Martin Ødegaard (captain), Christos Solis, Kai Havertz.
Manchester City (4-2-3-1 formation)Gianluigi Donnarumma (goalkeeper), Matheus Nunes, Ruben Dias (captain), Josko Gvardiol, Ryan Et-Nouri, Mateo Kovacic, Nico Gonzalez, Antoine Semenyo, Phil Foden, Jérémy Doku, Omar Marmouch.