Watch: Kai Havertz goal vs Man City doubles Arsenal lead

Kai Havertz doubled Arsenal’s lead against Manchester City with a close-range finish after another excellent piece of attacking play from Christos Tzolis.

Arsenal were already 1-0 ahead after Riccardo Calafiori scored just 24 seconds into the Community Shield, but Mikel Arteta’s side continued to cause Manchester City serious problems in Cardiff. The astonishing early opener came after Myles Lewis-Skelly helped Arsenal turn possession over before Calafiori finished the move.

Their pressure was rewarded again as Havertz converted Arsenal’s second to put the Premier League champions firmly in control.

Tzolis was heavily involved in the move, providing another encouraging moment after being handed a start in Arteta’s attack.

Kai Havertz finishes off a well-worked move to double Arsenal's lead 🤩

📺 Watch live on TNT Sports & HBO Max pic.twitter.com/tGkxCIBV8F
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) August 16, 2026

Kai Havertz puts Arsenal in control against Man City

Havertz’s goal continued an excellent opening from Arsenal, who immediately looked determined to land the first available silverware of the new campaign.

The Germany international was trusted to lead the attack, with Viktor Gyokeres named among the substitutes, and he took his opportunity to make an early statement.

Arteta had faced several difficult decisions before kick-off because a number of senior players only recently returned following the World Cup. ReadArsenal looked at how Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice returned to contention before the Community Shield.

The manager ultimately made several significant selection calls, while Arsenal’s injury problems at the back meant they entered the contest without William Saliba and Jurrien Timber.

ReadArsenal’s predicted Arsenal XI against Manchester City had highlighted the difficult choices facing Arteta following such a disrupted summer.

Manchester City also arrived with questions surrounding their midfield options. Arsenal had already been handed encouragement over Rodri’s availability before the showdown.

However, Arsenal made the early running in Cardiff.

Calafiori produced the dream start inside 24 seconds before Havertz doubled the advantage, leaving Arteta’s side in a commanding position in the Community Shield.