Arsenal's Riccardo Calafiori celebrates with teammates after scoring the opening goal during the FA Community Shield final soccer match between Arsenal and Manchester City in Cardiff, Wales, Sunday, Aug.16, 2026. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

2026-08-16T14:19:50Z

Arsenal has made an explosive start to the English soccer season, scoring inside 25 seconds in the Community Shield against Manchester City.

Riccardo Calafiori was the scorer at the Principality Stadium on Sunday in the annual season curtain-raiser between last year’s Premier League champions (Arsenal) and FA Cup winners (City).

The match in Cardiff marks Enzo Maresca ‘s competitive debut as City manager after he replaced Pep Guardiola.

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Steve Douglas is at https://twitter.com/sdouglas80

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See AP’s full soccer coverage here

STEVE DOUGLAS





Douglas is a Europe-based sports writer who has covered some of the world’s biggest events for The AP over the last 15 years, notably the men’s soccer World Cup final in 2022. As well as soccer, he handles a range of other sports including golf, cricket and rugby.















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