Ødegaard Stars as Arsenal Thrash Man City 3-0 to Win Community Shield

Arsenal kicked off the new English football season by claiming the Community Shield, decisively defeating Manchester City 3-0 in a match that showcased their early season form. Captain Martin Ødegaard was a standout performer, capping off the victory with a skillful goal that drew high praise from commentators.

Ødegaard's performance was lauded by Viaplay experts Lars Tjærnås and Pål André Helland. Tjærnås highlighted Ødegaard's "total overview and fantastic skills," noting how he makes difficult plays look "ridiculously easy." Helland described the Norwegian midfielder as "the giant of the pitch" and "completely dominant."

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He has such total overview, and total fantastic skills. He makes something that is actually quite difficult look ridiculously easy. Martin Ødegaard has simply looked razor-sharp.

In contrast, Manchester City's star striker Erling Braut Haaland had a subdued outing. This was his first match since Norway's elimination from the Euros on July 12. Haaland, who only returned to City training earlier in the week, had two shot opportunities but managed only a wayward shot and a save from Arsenal's goalkeeper David Raya. He was substituted after 54 minutes.

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He was the giant of the pitch. He was completely dominant out on the pitch.

Tjærnås commented that Haaland, like many of his Manchester City teammates, appeared to have "a lot to improve on." He attributed this to a "terribly long season" and a "short pre-season so far."

Arsenal established their dominance early in the match. Riccardo Calafiori opened the scoring just 23 seconds into the game, marking the fastest Community Shield goal since 1968. Kai Havertz extended Arsenal's lead to 2-0 before halftime. The Premier League season is set to commence next weekend, with Arsenal facing Coventry and Manchester City playing Bournemouth.

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He has looked like many others in Manchester City. He has looked like he has a lot to improve on. It would absolutely be expected after a terribly long season and a short pre-season so far.