Enzo Maresma has openly admitted that one of his primary goals in his inaugural campaign at the helm of Manchester City is to "narrow the distance to Arsenal," after his side fell short by seven points in the title race last season. The first real test of whether that ambition is attainable will arrive on Sunday’s Community Shield showdown. Historically, Arsenal have triumphed in all three of their previous Shield encounters with City, and this weekend’s high‑profile clash in Cardiff is set to act as a preview of a burgeoning rivalry between Mikel Arteta and Maresma. The match also serves as the final countdown to the official start of the Premier League season, with Arsenal slated to kick off against Coventry five days later and City following two days after that against Bournemouth – both fixtures will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Sky Sports’ statistical model currently lists Arsenal as the slight favourites to retain the league crown, sitting about four points ahead of Manchester City in the projected table. Yet a fresh challenger is emerging, eager to upset Pep Guardiola’s dominance and the odds stacked against them. Neither manager is likely to treat this opening contest, which carries a trophy, as a friendly affair.
"For me, it’s a piece of silverware," Maresma said. "When a final is on the line you go out to win it, not to play a friendly. We want to give everything we have to secure that first piece of hardware.
"Arsenal have been a consistent force over the last few years. They’re a superb side, well‑run and expertly coached by Mikel. They even clinched the Premier League last season. "But we are City, and we are determined to close the gap.
"The pre‑season has been positive. Now it’s time to compete, to win matches and titles.
I want to see high energy and the right mindset throughout the squad." When pressed about the fitness of star striker Erling Haaland, Maresma responded: "He’s fine. He had a minor issue behind his heel, but he’s okay. The whole squad is fit, although a few players have just returned from their summer break a couple of days ago." Meanwhile, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta praised Maresma, declaring him "just as good" as his predecessor Guardiola, while also acknowledging the Community Shield as a legitimate trophy that can set the tone for the campaign ahead. "We aim to field the best version of Arsenal on Sunday.
That’s the plan – to start the season by lifting the first trophy. That’s how we’ve prepared," Arteta explained. "Now it’s Enzo, who I know well and who is as good as Pep. He will bring something different to the club." Arteta also confirmed that, apart from the injured Jurrien Timber and William Saliba, Arsenal enjoy a clean bill of health.
This includes key players such as Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Martín Zubimendi, who have yet to feature in pre‑season fixtures. "It’s a trophy we deserve after winning the league last year," Arteta added.
"You can see how hungry the players are, which is a great sign. I love how the squad have returned – most of them earlier than expected. They’re fit, we’ve completed all the tests, and they’re in excellent condition. "When I saw the squad together, I thought: ‘look at what we have and what we’re building.’ The excitement is palpable." Sky Sports analyst Laura Hunter offered a tactical preview, noting that City’s last pre‑season friendly on August 9 ended in a 3‑1 victory over Atletico Madrid.
She expects a similar line‑up for Sunday, with Rayan Ait‑Nouri likely to start at left‑back if his fitness holds. The speculation surrounding Tijjani Reijnders suggests he may be omitted from the squad entirely.
In midfield, Maresma has the choice between Nico González and Rico Lewis. England prospects Nico O'Reilly and Elliot Anderson could also feature once the Premier League begins, although they missed pre‑season action due to the World Cup.
Omar Marmoush, who netted a brace against Atletico with assists from Antoine Semenyo, is expected to operate centrally as Haaland eases back into full match fitness. Phil Foden’s return is also on the agenda, giving him a chance to cement the No.
10 shirt. Sam Blitz, another Sky Sports commentator, highlighted that Arsenal’s midfield trio – Rice, Saka and Zubimendi – are all available, but most of the squad only logged 30‑minute cameo appearances in the friendlies. Consequently, Blitz predicts they may start on the bench and be introduced in the latter stages of the Shield. This scenario could open a slot for Bruno Guimarães, who debuted against Como, to feature in Cardiff.
It also presents an opportunity for Myles Lewis‑Skelly to start, despite ongoing speculation about his future, as Arteta has not confirmed his summer plans. New signing Christos Tzolis is expected to receive a run on the left wing, offering a first real test of his abilities, while Max Dowman’s full pre‑season preparation could see him preferred over Noni Madueke. Arteta faces a left‑back conundrum between Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapié; the more defensively minded Hincapié may get the nod. Meanwhile, a rejuvenated Martin Ødegaard could aim to set a new benchmark after a stop‑start season last term.
In summary, the Community Shield will not merely be a ceremonial curtain‑raiser. It will be a battle of philosophies, a chance for Maresma to demonstrate his intent to close the gap with Arsenal, and an opportunity for Arteta to reaffirm his squad’s hunger for silverware.
Both managers have made it clear that they view the match as a genuine competition, and the outcome could provide early insight into how the season will unfold for two of England’s biggest clubs.