Arsenal will face Manchester City in the Community Shield at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on Sunday, with both sides aiming to begin the new season with silverware.
The Gunners head into the curtain-raiser with an impressive record in the competition, having won the Community Shield 17 times, including shared titles. Only Manchester United, with 21 victories, have won it more often.
Arsenal have also won their last five appearances in the Community Shield and boast a perfect record when entering the fixture as reigning Premier League champions.
The Gunners defeated Manchester United in 1998, Liverpool in 2002 and Manchester United again in 2004 in their three previous appearances in that position.
Manchester City, meanwhile, won their most recent Community Shield appearance after defeating Manchester United on penalties in 2024.
However, Arsenal can draw confidence from their head-to-head record in the competition.
The Gunners have won all three previous Community Shield meetings between the sides, beating City 4-0 in 1934, 3-0 in 2014 and 4-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in 2023.
City can nevertheless point to a strong recent trend. The FA Cup winners have won eight of the last 10 Community Shield meetings involving the Premier League champions and FA Cup holders.
The Millennium Stadium also holds positive memories for Arsenal.
The Gunners played 10 matches at the Welsh venue between 2001 and 2007, more than any other club during that period, and won four Community Shields there.
Manchester City will return to the stadium for only the second time, giving Arsenal greater experience of the venue ahead of Sunday’s clash.
Mikel Arteta also has a perfect Community Shield record.
The Arsenal boss won both of his appearances as a player, in 2014 and 2015, before leading the Gunners to further victories as a manager in 2020 and 2023.
For Manchester City, the match represents a new beginning under Enzo Maresca.
The fixture will be the City boss’ first competitive match in charge of the club and his first experience of the Community Shield.
City have appeared in the competition 16 times and won seven titles, while Arsenal’s stronger overall record gives them confidence as they seek another trophy before beginning their Premier League title defence.
Stats at a Glance
Arsenal Community Shield titles: 17
Manchester City Community Shield titles: 7
Arsenal’s last five Community Shield appearances: 5 wins
Arsenal vs Man City in Community Shield: Arsenal lead 3-0
Arsenal’s Community Shield wins at Millennium Stadium: 4
Arsenal appearances at the Millennium Stadium: 10
Manchester City’s appearances at the venue: 1
Arteta’s Community Shield record: 4 wins from 4
City’s latest Community Shield: 2024 victory over Manchester United on penalties
