Arteta: Arsenal are determined to claim Community Shield
By Joel Masibo, August 15, 2026Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says his squad is showing a strong desire to begin the new campaign by lifting the Community Shield against Manchester City on Sunday, August16, 2026 in Cardiff.
The Gunners will travel to the Principality Stadium for the season’s opening piece of silverware, where they will face the FA Cup holders.
Arteta has been encouraged by the condition and attitude of his players since they returned for pre-season preparations. He believes the squad is already displaying the intensity required ahead of the meeting with City.
“We are really excited to start the season,” Mikel said on Friday, August 14, 2026. “To start with the first trophy as well, I sense a really good energy around the place. All the internationals are back, and we can’t wait to start competing.
“It’s a trophy that we can have because we managed last year to win the Premier League, and you can tell how hungry the players are, which is a good sign.
The Arsenal boss was particularly pleased that many of his players reported back ahead of schedule and in excellent physical shape.
“I said it the other day, I love the way the players have come back, most of them earlier than expected, really fit with all the testing and they all seem in great condition. The moment they start to look at each other and look at the squad that we have and what we are building, there is a lot of excitement around it.”
Sunday’s encounter will also mark a new chapter in the rivalry between the two sides, with Manchester City preparing to face Arsenal without Pep Guardiola in charge for the first time since 2016.
Enzo Maresca will oversee his first competitive fixture as City manager in Cardiff. Arteta believes his fellow coach has the qualities and experience necessary to succeed in his new role.
“I know Enzo has the character and especially the knowledge to do an unbelievable job there,” he said.
“That’s why he has been selected, because they can probably pick anybody, and they’ve gone for Enzo for the right reasons. He has demonstrated at every level, when he’s gone to the Champions League, what he’s done at Chelsea and now at City. I’m sure he’ll do a great job.”