'We Created Chances' - Maresca Reacts to Arsenal’s Community Shield Win

‘We Created Chances’ – Maresca Reacts to Arsenal’s Community Shield Win
Maresca blamed missed chances and Arsenal’s second goal for defeat.
Arsenal started the 2026 campaign with their first Shield since 2005.

Enzo Maresca suffered defeat in his first campaign with Manchester City after Arsenal secured a convincing victory in the Community Shield final on Sunday, August 15.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Arsenal defeated Manchester City 3-0 at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, with Riccardo Calafiori, Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard finding the net for Mikel Arteta’s side.

Maresca described the result as disappointing and admitted that Manchester City failed to take advantage of their chances during the match.

The Manchester City manager said the game became more difficult after Arsenal scored their second goal, despite his side creating several opportunities to get back into the contest.

He said: “I think the goal we conceded after 25 seconds unfortunately affected the game at that moment.

“I think after the goal, the reaction was quite good before they scored the second one, we had three or four chances to score and draw the game but unfortunately we conceded the second one and it became more complicated.”

“Disappointed with that because in this kind of game the level is so similar that when you concede a goal, it then becomes difficult, but I think the action after the first goal was quite good and we created chances, but again, 2-0 was even more complicated,” Maresca stressed.

Arsenal took the lead just 24 seconds into the match through left back Riccardo Calafiori.

Manchester City struggled to respond despite creating opportunities, before Kai Havertz doubled Arsenal’s advantage with a header before half time.

The Gunners continued to take advantage of Manchester City’s struggles after the break, with Martin Odegaard scoring in the 48th minute to complete the 3-0 victory.

The result handed Arsenal the Community Shield and marked a strong start to the new campaign under Arteta.

For Maresca, the defeat provided an early test of his Manchester City side as he begins his first campaign in charge.

Maresca Reacts to Arsenal’s Community Shield Win

The victory means Arsenal will begin the 2026 campaign as Community Shield champions, their first triumph in the competition since the 2004 to 2005 season.

The result also gives Arteta’s side an early boost ahead of the new campaign, while Manchester City will look to respond after a disappointing opening fixture.