Football Discussion | How Arsenal’s starting eleven rated in Community Shield success

Here's how Arsenal's starting eleven rated in their Community Shield success over Manchester City

Quite a few players managed to stand out in what was a very impressive performance

Author | DJ

David Raya: Made a good save from Phil Foden and an excellent take from a corner in the first half. The Arsenal keeper is so assured on the ball and produced one memorable pass to Christos Tzolis to spark a counter-attack. 7.5

Ben White: It can go under the radar just how valuable a fit Ben White is to Arsenal. An experienced member of the side, he dealt well with the threat of Jeremy Doku while also supporting Noni Madueke in attack. Produced a huge block to deny Doku when the winger was well placed to shoot in the second half. 7

Cristhian Mosquera: Made an excellent recovery run and passed back to Raya while under pressure from Erling Haaland. Looked comfortable throughout and rarely put a foot wrong. 7.5

Match report from European Super Football @eurosuperfootball.bsky.social Arsenal ease to win over Man City in Community Shield eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com/2026/08/arse...

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— Super News Affiliate (@supernews1.bsky.social) 17 August 2026 at 07:37

Gabriel Magalhaes: Produced a big block to stop Doku's attempted cross, celebrating the intervention with the winger and his Arsenal team-mates. Kept Haaland remarkably quiet throughout. 8.5

Riccardo Calafiori (off 60, Hincapie): Opened the scoring with Arsenal's first meaningful attack of the match. The Italy international is increasingly important to the way Arsenal attack, with his freedom to roam across the pitch making him particularly difficult to pick up. Could be in for a huge season. 8

Myles Lewis-Skelly (off 75, Zubimendi): Continued his excellent pre-season form, sliding Calafiori through for the opening goal and helping set the tone for Arsenal. Broke up play intelligently and delivered another mature performance that will only make any suggestion of him leaving the club seem more unlikely. 8.5

Bruno Guimaraes (off 46, Rice): Looked like exactly the plug-and-play option Arsenal were looking for. The Brazilian was constantly available to receive the ball and looked to move play forward quickly when he got possession. Replaced at half-time. 7

Martin Odegaard (off 84, Eze): The Arsenal captain has looked back to full fitness during pre-season and once again showed why he is so important to the side. He appeared much more willing to play forward passes than he did for much of last season, with his curling ball helping create Arsenal's second goal. Added the third with a clever finish. 9

Arsenal players celebrate

Noni Madueke (off 60, Saka): Had some bright moments and his pace provides Arsenal with a constant threat down the wing. There were still occasions, however, when his final ball could have been better. 6

Christos Tzolis: A hugely encouraging start to his first competitive game for Arsenal. The winger provided two assists in a comfortable victory and already looks like a bright addition to the Gunners' attack. 8

Kai Havertz (off 75, Gyokores): Led the line well and gave Arsenal an important focal point in attack. The Gunners look a more balanced side with him up front and the German capped his performance with the second goal. 7

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