Arsenal cruise to 3-0 win over Manchester City in Community Shield

Arsenal have powered to a 3-0 win over Manchester City in the Community Shield, delivering a swaggering statement of intent ahead of their Premier League title defence.

Mikel Arteta’s side used the annual curtain-raiser to the English top-flight football season as an opportunity to prove their long-awaited title triumph has done nothing to sate their appetite for success.

The Gunners took just 24 seconds on Sunday to show new City boss Enzo Maresca the standard required to keep up with the champions.

Riccardo Calafiori’s quick-fire opening goal was followed by a clinical Kai Havertz header before half-time.

Arsenal overwhelmed sloppy City with their trademark intensity and Martin Odegaard netted after the interval to cap a resounding victory.

The game at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales also allowed Arteta to parade Arsenal’s close-season recruits.

Bruno Guimaraes, signed from Newcastle for 75 million pounds ($101m), slotted into midfield with ease, while Christos Tzolis, lured from Club Brugge for 34 million pounds ($46m), gave a lively display including two assists.

The north Londoners will start a campaign as champions for the first time since the 2004-05 season.