Maresca Reacts After Arsenal Humiliate Man City To Lift Community Shield

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has described his side’s Community Shield defeat to Arsenal as disappointing after the Premier League champions suffered a heavy loss in his first competitive match in charge.

According to Ireporter Online, Manchester City were beaten 3-0 by Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal in the Community Shield final on Sunday, August 15, with Riccardo Calafiori, Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard finding the net for the Gunners.

Arsenal made a blistering start at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, taking the lead just 24 seconds into the encounter through Calafiori.

Maresca admitted that the early goal affected his team but praised his players for their response before Arsenal doubled their advantage.

The City boss said his side created several opportunities to level the game but failed to take advantage of them. He noted that Arsenal’s second goal made the contest considerably more difficult for his players.

Maresca said the narrow margin between the two teams meant conceding early could have a significant impact on the outcome of the match.

Arsenal extended their lead before the break when Havertz converted a header, leaving City with a difficult task going into the second half.

Odegaard then added Arsenal’s third goal in the 48th minute to complete a convincing victory and secure the Community Shield for Arteta’s side.

The defeat marked a disappointing beginning to Maresca’s first campaign at Manchester City, while Arsenal entered the new season with a major trophy after their commanding performance.

The result also marked Arsenal’s return to the Community Shield title for the first time since the 2004-05 season.