3 things we learned as Arsenal dominate Man City to win the Community Shield
Arsenal’s season got off to the perfect start as Mikel Arteta’s men drew first blood by beating Man City.
An early goal set the tone before the Gunners cruised to victory as Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard ensured it finished 3-0.
For Arsenal fans, there was a first glimpse of Bruno Guimaraes, while it was also an early chance to see just how good the team is looking ahead of the new season.
Suffice to say, things are looking up and there were THREE clear things we could take away from the season opener.
Christos Tzolis looks the real deal already
Arsenal fans have become increasingly excited about the idea of Tzolis playing as the summer has gone on.
And based on his debut display, that excitement was well judged.
Tzolis created two of the three goals for the Gunners and looked every bit an upgrade on Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard down the left.
So much has been made of Mikel Arteta’s pursuit of a new left forward. On this evidence, it might not be needed.
Myles Lewis-Skelly needs to be kept at all costs
There has been a lot made of Lewis-Skelly’s future, with potential moves to Manchester United and abroad both on the cards.
On today’s performance, Lewis-Skelly looks every bit the Premier League midfield player and someone who is going to save the Gunners a fortune in the transfer market.
Lewis-Skelly’s assist for the opener was a pass of a world-class attacking midfielder. Mikel Arteta has stumbled on a real formula for getting the best out of the youngster.
In terms of Arsenal even considering selling Lewis-Skelly, it simply has to be shot down immediately.
Man City will not be Arsenal’s closest challengers
It might only be one game and it might be a game some consider a glorified friendly, but this was a performance of real dominance from Arsenal over their closest title challengers in recent times.
With Pep Guardiola now gone, it might well have taken that edge City have had over other teams away.
On today’s evidence, Arsenal look clear and away the better side. In fact, it wasn’t even close.
If this pattern continues into the season, then Arsenal won’t have to worry about City one bit and could well cruise towards a second title in two years.