JUST IN: Maresca Suffers Arsenal Defeat Again as Manchester City Lose Community Shield 3–0

Published

3 months ago

August 16, 2026

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JUST IN: Maresca Suffers Arsenal Defeat Again as Manchester City Lose Community Shield3–0—-Enzo Maresca’s competitive debut as Manchester City manager ends in disappointment as Arsenal cruise to victory in Cardiff and lift the Community Shield.

Enzo Maresca’s first competitive match in charge of Manchester City ended in a nightmare as Arsenal swept aside the FA Cup holders 3–0 to claim the 2026 Community Shield at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

The defeat means Maresca has suffered another setback against Arsenal, having previously faced the Gunners during his time at Chelsea. But this loss will carry particular significance, coming in his first competitive game since taking over from Pep Guardiola at City.

Calafiori Strikes Inside 24 Seconds

Arsenal needed less than a minute to take control.

Riccardo Calafiori opened the scoring after just 24 seconds, finishing from Myles Lewis-Skelly’s delivery to give Mikel Arteta’s side a dream start. It was reported as the fastest Community Shield goal in 58 years.

The early goal immediately put City under pressure and gave Arsenal confidence as they looked to exploit the uncertainty surrounding Maresca’s new-look side.

Havertz Doubles Arsenal’s Lead

Arsenal continued to dominate and eventually doubled their advantage in the 28th minute.

Kai Havertz found the net after goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma failed to deal convincingly with the situation, leaving Arsenal with a commanding 2–0 lead before half-time.

City struggled to generate a sustained attacking response, with Arsenal’s defensive organisation limiting the opportunities available to Erling Haaland and Phil Foden.

Ødegaard Completes the Rout

The Gunners completed the victory early in the second half when captain Martin Ødegaard added a third goal.

Christos Tzolis was involved in another Arsenal attacking move, while Ødegaard produced a composed finish to effectively put the contest beyond City’s reach.

Arsenal’s defence then held firm to preserve a clean sheet and secure a convincing victory.

A Nightmare Start for Maresca

The result could hardly have been more difficult for Maresca.

The Italian was appointed as Guardiola’s successor after City entered a new era following the Spaniard’s departure. The Community Shield represented Maresca’s first competitive opportunity to demonstrate that he could lead the club back to the top of English football.

Instead, Arsenal exposed several weaknesses in his team, particularly in defensive organisation and their ability to control the match after falling behind.

Maresca had previously said one of his ambitions at City was to close the gap on Arsenal, who finished as Premier League champions last season. His first competitive meeting with the Gunners therefore provided an immediate test of that ambition.

Arsenal Send Early Warning

For Arteta and Arsenal, the victory provides an early statement ahead of the new Premier League campaign.

The Gunners looked sharp, aggressive and confident, while their new additions and returning players fitted smoothly into Arteta’s system.

The Community Shield does not determine the Premier League title race, but Arsenal’s performance will undoubtedly strengthen belief among their supporters that the champions are ready to defend their crown and compete for further silverware.

For Maresca, however, there is now plenty of work to do.

Manchester City’s new era has begun with a heavy defeat, while Arsenal have already sent a clear message to their rivals: they are ready for another fight at the top.

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BREAKING: After 23 Years Cristiano Ronaldo Announces Retirement From International Football

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3 hours ago

November 5, 2026

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BREAKING: After 23 Years Cristiano Ronaldo Announces Retirement From International Football—-The Portugal captain brings an extraordinary international career to an end after announcing he will hand over the iconic No. 7 shirt following the November international break, leaving behind 234 appearances and a record 146 goals.

Football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has officially announced his retirement from international football, bringing the curtain down on an illustrious 23-year career with the Portugal national team.

The 41-year-old forward confirmed his decision on Thursday, November 5, 2026, through an emotional video message shared on his social media platforms, revealing that he will hand over Portugal’s iconic No. 7 shirt after the November international break.

Ronaldo’s announcement marks the end of one of the most remarkable international careers in football history, having represented his country since making his senior debut in August 2003.

In his farewell message, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner reflected on the privilege of representing Portugal for more than two decades.

“The day has come to hand back the number 7 shirt of our national team,” Ronaldo said, acknowledging the responsibility and pride that came with wearing the famous jersey for 23 years.

Ronaldo Retires as International Football’s Greatest Goalscorer

Ronaldo leaves international football holding the records for the most appearances and goals in men’s international history.

The Al-Nassr forward made 234 appearances for Portugal, scoring an extraordinary 146 goals during his 23-year international journey.

His remarkable numbers place him at the summit of international football, having consistently delivered goals and memorable performances across multiple generations of the Portuguese national team.

He also represented Portugal at six FIFA World Cups and became the first player to score at five different editions of the competition.

Euro 2016 Triumph Remains His Greatest International Achievement

One of the defining moments of Ronaldo’s international career came in 2016 when he captained Portugal to their first-ever European Championship title.

Despite being forced off through injury during the final against France, Ronaldo remained involved from the sidelines as Portugal secured a historic 1–0 victory after extra time through Éder’s memorable goal.

He subsequently guided Portugal to UEFA Nations League glory in 2019 and again in 2025, adding two more major international honours to his collection.

Those achievements cemented his legacy as one of the most influential figures in Portuguese football history.

A Difficult Final Chapter for the Portugal Captain

Ronaldo’s announcement comes after a turbulent period surrounding his relationship with Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus.

The forward’s final chapter with the national team had attracted considerable attention following reports of disagreements during the previous international window.

However, his decision to retire brings an end to a career that has been defined by extraordinary achievements, individual records and an enduring commitment to representing his country.

Ronaldo’s Club Career Continues at Al-Nassr

Although his international journey is coming to an end, Ronaldo has not announced his retirement from professional football.

The Portuguese superstar remains contracted to Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, where he continues to pursue further goals and trophies at club level.

His international retirement will allow Portugal to begin preparing for life without their long-serving captain, while the responsibility of wearing the iconic No. 7 shirt will eventually pass to another generation.

End of an Extraordinary Era

For more than two decades, Ronaldo carried the hopes of an entire nation, delivering unforgettable goals, historic victories and moments that helped transform Portugal into a major force in international football.

From his emotional debut in 2003 to lifting the European Championship trophy in 2016, his journey with the national team has been filled with remarkable milestones.

Now, at 41, one of football’s greatest careers at international level is reaching its conclusion.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal legacy:

International appearances: 234
International goals: 146
Major trophies: Euro 2016, UEFA Nations League 2019 and 2025
International career: 2003–2026
World Cups: Six appearances

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Liverpool Suffer Istanbul Heartbreak as Arsenal Survive in Czechia and City Edge Leipzig

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16 hours ago

November 4, 2026

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Liverpool Suffer Istanbul Heartbreak as Arsenal Survive in Czechia and City Edge Leipzig—-Liverpool surrender two leads to lose 3–2 against Fenerbahçe, while Arsenal hold off Slavia Prague and Erling Haaland inspires Manchester City to a dramatic victory in Germany.

Wednesday night delivered contrasting fortunes for England’s representatives in the UEFA Champions League, as Liverpool suffered a disappointing 3–2 defeat against Fenerbahçe in Istanbul, Arsenal secured a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Slavia Prague, and Manchester City edged RB Leipzig 3–2 in a five-goal thriller.

The three encounters produced late drama, impressive individual performances and crucial points in the Champions League league phase, with Liverpool becoming the only one of the three English sides to leave the night empty-handed.

Liverpool Throw Away Two Leads in Istanbul

Liverpool suffered their first defeat of this season’s Champions League campaign after surrendering two leads in a dramatic 3–2 loss to Fenerbahçe at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium.

The Reds made a promising start and took the lead in the 25th minute through teenage midfielder Trey Nyoni, who found the net with a deflected effort to register his first senior goal for the club.

However, Fenerbahçe responded four minutes later when Mason Greenwood’s free-kick took a significant deflection before beating Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson to restore parity.

Liverpool continued to search for another breakthrough and eventually regained the advantage in the 69th minute through substitute Alexander Isak, who marked his introduction with a close-range finish after connecting with Cody Gakpo’s delivery.

But the visitors’ defensive problems returned almost immediately.

Archie Brown capitalised on a defensive misunderstanding to equalise for the Turkish side in the 73rd minute before Vedat Muriqi completed the turnaround six minutes later, heading home to give Fenerbahçe a 3–2 lead.

Liverpool were unable to find another response, suffering a damaging defeat that ended their perfect start to the European campaign.

Arsenal Survive Late Scare to Beat Slavia Prague

Arsenal maintained their unbeaten Champions League campaign with a 2–1 victory over Slavia Prague in Czechia, although the Gunners were forced to withstand a nervy finish.

Mikel Arteta made six changes to his starting line-up following the weekend victory over Liverpool, but his side quickly demonstrated their attacking quality.

Noni Madueke opened the scoring in the ninth minute after receiving a clever pass from Viktor Gyökeres before calmly finishing past the Slavia goalkeeper.

The Swedish striker then turned goalscorer in the 38th minute, combining with Mikel Merino before producing a composed finish to double Arsenal’s advantage.

Arsenal dominated much of the first half but struggled to maintain the same control after the interval as Slavia Prague increased their attacking pressure.

David Raya produced important saves, while Gabriel Magalhães made crucial goal-line clearances to preserve the visitors’ advantage.

Slavia eventually pulled one back through Wiktor Nowak in the 90th minute, setting up a tense finish.

However, Arsenal held on through stoppage time to secure their third victory of the Champions League campaign and collect another valuable three points.

Haaland Rescues Manchester City in Leipzig Thriller

Manchester City produced a dramatic comeback performance to defeat RB Leipzig 3–2 at the Red Bull Arena, with Erling Haaland scoring the decisive goal in the 78th minute.

City took the lead in the 37th minute when Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba inadvertently turned Nico O’Reilly’s cutback into his own net.

However, Leipzig responded immediately after the restart, with Ridle Baku equalising in the 49th minute to bring the home supporters back into the contest.

Manchester City restored their advantage in the 58th minute through Enzo Fernández, who finished after receiving a pass from Iliman Ndiaye.

The hosts refused to surrender, and Antonio Nusa levelled the score again in the 61st minute, making it 2–2 and setting up an exciting final half-hour.

With the contest finely balanced, Haaland stepped forward to deliver the decisive moment.

The Norwegian striker arrived at the far post in the 78th minute to convert Elliot Anderson’s excellent cross, giving City a 3–2 advantage.

Leipzig pushed for another equaliser, but Pep Guardiola’s side held firm to secure an important away victory and continue their positive Champions League campaign.

Contrasting Nights for England’s Champions League Representatives

The results provided a mixed European night for English football.

While Arsenal and Manchester City collected maximum points from difficult away fixtures, Liverpool were left frustrated after allowing Fenerbahçe to come from behind twice before scoring the winning goal.

Arsenal’s victory strengthened their position in the league-phase standings, while City’s dramatic success demonstrated their attacking resilience.

For Liverpool, however, the defeat in Istanbul represents a setback, with Andoni Iraola’s men needing to address their defensive vulnerabilities ahead of their remaining European fixtures.

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