Gunners fire first shot

Enzo Maresca urged Manchester City to learn from its chastening Community Shield defeat against Arsenal after the Italian endured a dismal start in his daunting task of replacing Pep Guardiola.

For the first time in a decade, Guardiola was missing from the touchline in a showpiece match for City, and the Spaniard's absence was keenly felt as Maresca's men slumped to a 3-0 defeat in Cardiff on Sunday.

The sight of Maresca patrolling the technical area was jarring for City fans following its dynastic era under Guardiola, who won 20 trophies, including six Premier League titles, before stepping down at the end of last season.

Whether Maresca is the right choice to succeed the 55-year-old is a question that will hang over City throughout the season.

Maresca, 46, worked as Guardiola's assistant during City's 2022-23 treble-winning campaign, but has limited experience as a manager, having left Chelsea in January after less than two seasons in charge, following a single season at Leicester.

City's first tentative steps of the post-Guardiola era were underwhelming to say the least.

It was blown away by a rampant Arsenal in the annual curtain raiser to the top-flight season, as the Premier League champion served notice that it has no intention of surrendering the title.

Riccardo Calafiori gave Arsenal the lead after just 24 seconds and Kai Havertz punished sloppy City defending to head in its second midway through the first half.