Arsenal claimed their 18th Community Shield title in emphatic fashion on Sunday, defeating Manchester City 3-0 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, with Nigerian stars Bukayo Saka, Ethan Nwaneri and Eberechi Eze celebrating the Gunners’ impressive triumph.
Arsenal claimed their 18th Community Shield title in emphatic fashion on Sunday, defeating Manchester City 3-0 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, as Nigerian stars Bukayo Saka, Ethan Nwaneri and Eberechi Eze celebrating the Gunners’ impressive triumph.
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The Premier League champions made a blistering start as Riccardo Calafiori opened the scoring after just 23 seconds, converting from close range after being played through by Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Arsenal doubled their advantage in the 28th minute when Kai Havertz headed home Martin Odegaard’s cross, with new signing Christos Tzolis involved in the build-up.
The Gunners continued their dominance after the interval, adding a third goal just three minutes into the second half.
Odegaard produced a composed finish after receiving the ball from Tzolis, who capped an impressive debut with two assists.
The victory handed Arsenal their second trophy in four months and further underlined their status as one of England’s leading sides ahead of the new Premier League season.
For the Nigerian contingent, the occasion provided another reason to celebrate. England internationals of Nigerian descent Bukayo Saka and Ethan Nwaneri were named among Arsenal’s substitutes, while Eberechi Eze was also included on the bench following his move to the Gunners.
Although the trio did not start the contest, their presence highlighted the growing Nigerian connection within Arsenal’s squad.
Manchester City, meanwhile, endured a disappointing afternoon in their first competitive fixture under new manager Enzo Maresca, struggling to match Arsenal’s intensity and attacking quality.
Arsenal’s victory also moved them closer to Manchester United’s record of 21 Community Shield triumphs, with the Gunners now sitting second on the all-time list with 18 titles.
The result will give Mikel Arteta and his players considerable confidence as they prepare for the 2026/27 Premier League campaign.
