'Many things to work on': Man City react to lopsided Community Shield loss

A new-look Manchester City were second-best to a well-drilled Arsenal side as the Gunners claimed a 3-0 victory in the FA Community Shield on Sunday, unofficially kicking off the 2026-27 English season.

Given the result and the way Arsenal were able to capitalize on their opportunities, it's clear that there is still a lot of work to be done for the Sky Blues under their new boss, former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca.

• Read next | Arsenal lay down marker for upcoming season with impressive Community Shield display

"I think the goal we conceded after 25 seconds unfortunately affected the game in that moment," Maresca told the BBC, referring to Riccardo Calafiori's opening-minute strike. "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."

The statistics back up what Maresca stated, with Man City holding more possession and taking one more shot on target than the Gunners, but the eye test told a different story. Arsenal were far more decisive when inside the final third and created the better of the chances, leading to clear-cut opportunities.

This is contrasted by the oft-disjointed play of the Sky Blues, who settled for lesser opportunities and did not show the level of cohesiveness needed to compete with the reigning Premier League champions.

However, the team expect to improve as time goes on, with most still adjusting to life under Maresca after the club was led by Pep Guardiola for a decade.

"It is the beginning of the season, it is not good enough," defender Ruben Dias told TNT Sports. "In the end, this is just the start, and the most important thing is we're already looking forward, and we will be ready for our next game."

Dias added: "It's part of any transition for things to be not so perfect in the beginning. You need to push through, you need to communicate, and make things work between us.

"I feel we're in a very good way, but we need to keep on working. There's going to be lots of challenges along the way."

Maresca concurred, stating that even when things are going well, he will still hold the team to a high standard.

"We have many things to work on," the manager said. "The season's just started so there are many things we need to do better, but even when we win games there are things we need to do better."

Man City open their Premier League campaign on Aug. 23 against Bournemouth.

 

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