Okay, maybe it’s too early.
Maybe one game shouldn’t change anyone’s opinion about an entire season.
But after what Arsenal just did to Manchester City, it’s hard not to ask the question.
Are Arsenal already the team to beat?
Arsenal opened their 2026/27 campaign with a statement, beating Manchester City 3-0 in the Community Shield at the Principality Stadium.
And honestly, the scoreline doesn’t make the performance look any better than it was.
Arsenal looked ready.
City didn’t.
Arsenal Didn’t Waste Any Time
It took Arsenal just 23 seconds to get on the scoreboard.
Riccardo Calafiori finished off a brilliant move to give Mikel Arteta’s side the dream start.
That’s the fastest opening goal in the Community Shield in 58 years.
And instead of sitting back after taking the lead, Arsenal kept pushing.
Kai Havertz made it 2-0 before halftime, and Martin Ødegaard added a third shortly after the break.
By then, City were chasing shadows.
City Had No Answer
This wasn’t the Manchester City we’ve become accustomed to seeing.
Erling Haaland barely had an impact.
City struggled to create clear chances and couldn’t find a way through an Arsenal defense that looked comfortable for most of the afternoon.
David Raya also came up big when City did manage to threaten, keeping Arsenal’s clean sheet intact.
For Enzo Maresca, it was a pretty rough introduction to competitive football as City’s new manager.
Replacing Pep Guardiola was never going to be easy.
Losing your first competitive match 3-0 to the reigning Premier League champions certainly doesn’t make the job any easier.
But Here’s Why Arsenal Fans Shouldn’t Get Carried Away
Let’s pump the brakes for a second.
It’s the Community Shield.
It’s important, there’s a trophy involved and nobody wants to lose it — but it isn’t the Premier League.
Arsenal know that better than anyone.
The real test begins when the league starts and teams have to deal with injuries, fixture congestion, bad days and those ugly matches where three points have to be earned the hard way.
So no, Arsenal haven’t won the league today.
But they certainly made a statement.
The Squad Looks Different
One of the most interesting things about Arsenal’s performance was that some of their new faces immediately looked comfortable.
Christos Tzolis was heavily involved, providing assists for Arsenal’s second and third goals.
Bruno Guimarães also made his debut and impressed in midfield.
And perhaps the most encouraging part for Arteta was that Arsenal were able to put together such a convincing performance without needing every familiar star to carry them.
That matters over a long season.
What About Manchester City?
That’s the other side of this.
One bad game doesn’t suddenly mean City are finished.
Maresca is trying to build a new team after the Guardiola era, and that was always going to take time.
City also have plenty of quality in the squad, and there is still time for them to strengthen before the transfer window closes.
But there were enough warning signs here to make City fans uncomfortable.
The midfield didn’t control the game.
The attack struggled.
And defensively, Arsenal found openings far too easily.
Maresca has work to do.
Arsenal Have Sent the Message
Last season, Arsenal proved they could win the Premier League.
Now they’re trying to show they can stay there.
That’s a different challenge.
And if Sunday’s performance is anything to go by, Arteta’s team doesn’t look satisfied with just one title.
Martin Ødegaard made that pretty clear after the game, saying Arsenal showed they were ready and serious about going after more trophies.
That’s the attitude you want from a team trying to become a powerhouse.
So, are Arsenal already the team to beat?
Maybe.
It’s still August. There are months of football ahead and plenty can change.
But if you’re Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United or anyone else hoping to challenge Arsenal this season…
You probably watched that 3-0 and thought the same thing.
Yeah. Arsenal look serious.
