Man City's Community Shield defeat to Arsenal revealed the scale of the job facing Enzo Maresca on eve of new Premier League season

17 August 2026, 10:40 | Updated: 17 August 2026, 14:18

Enzo Maresca spoke of his desire to "close the gap" between Manchester City and Arsenal before watching his side suffer a painful 3-0 defeat in the Community Shield on Sunday. Perhaps the gaping holes through the spine of his team should be more of an immediate area of focus.

The manner of that loss has raised qualifying questions, the only real clarity offered by the Premier League champions. Mikel Arteta's side brutally exposed a series of City shortcomings: defensively disorganised, missing a midfield and lacking leadership, to name but a few.

Under a week from the start of their campaign proper, City appear worryingly incomplete.

"We have it quite clear what we need to do, and for sure we are going to do something before the transfer window closes," Maresca reassured after the game, before it was confirmed later the same evening that Rodri would be departing for Barcelona. Not sure that was exactly what he had in mind.

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