Why Man City Lost to Arsenal in Community Shield — Maresca

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has attributed Manchester City’s 3–0 defeat to Arsenal in the Community Shield to a lack of pre-season preparation and match fitness.

Maresca, speaking in an interview with Sky Sports Premier League on Thursday, said City struggled to find their rhythm because several key players entered the competitive fixture without sufficient pre-season minutes.

He noted that four players in City’s starting XI had not featured at all during the club’s pre-season campaign.

In contrast, Maresca said all 11 Arsenal starters had already played matches before the Community Shield encounter.

He said the difference in physical condition between the two teams was evident from the start of the match.

Arsenal took the lead after just 24 seconds, immediately putting City under pressure.

The Gunners maintained control for large periods of the contest before completing a convincing 3–0 victory.

Maresca said City’s lack of preparation affected the team’s cohesion and ability to compete at the required intensity.

He stressed that the defeat highlighted the importance of match fitness and familiarity, particularly at the beginning of a new season.

The Community Shield defeat came as City continued preparations for the 2026/27 Premier League campaign.