Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori made history during the FA Community Shield clash against Manchester City by scoring the fastest goal ever recorded in the tournament. The Italy international found the back of the net in the 24th second of the match, providing Mikel Arteta's side with an immediate advantage. The goal was set up by youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly, whose incisive pass carved through the Manchester City defense, allowing Calafiori to race into the penalty area and slot the ball into the bottom corner past his compatriot, goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Mikel Arteta fielded a strong Arsenal starting XI for the match, featuring David Raya in goal behind a defensive line of Ben White, Cristhian Mosquera, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Calafiori. The midfield included captain Martin Odegaard alongside Bruno Guimaraes and Myles Lewis-Skelly, while Kai Havertz led the attack, supported by Noni Madueke and Christos Tzolis on the flanks. On the opposing side, newly appointed Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca also deployed a robust lineup. Donnarumma was protected by a back four of Abdukodir Khusanov, Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, and Nico O'Reilly. The midfield featured Elliot Anderson and Mateo Kovacic, with Phil Foden operating at the number ten position behind forwards Antoine Semenyo, Jeremy Doku, and Erling Haaland.
Since joining Arsenal from Bologna in 2024 for a reported fee of £42 million, Calafiori has made 66 appearances for the Gunners, contributing five goals and five assists, though his time at the club has been hampered by injuries that kept him sidelined for 44 games. Meanwhile, Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes, who has made 261 appearances for the club with 24 goals and ten assists, viewed the match as an opportunity to move past the disappointment of the previous season. Having lost the Champions League final to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on penalties—a match where Gabriel missed the decisive spot-kick—the Brazilian defender expressed that he is using that setback as motivation to secure trophies for the team.
