Enzo Maresca has revealed part of his intention in his first season as Manchester City boss is to "close the gap to Arsenal", after finishing seven points shy of the Premier League champions last term. A first glimpse of how realistic that ambition is will be gleaned in the Community Shield on Sunday. The Gunners have historically won all three of their Community Shield matches against City, with this weekend's heavyweight bout in Cardiff destined to be a precursor to the start of an intriguing new rivalry between Mikel Arteta and Maresca.
The fixture also signals the final countdown to the start of the Premier League proper, with Arsenal opening their campaign against Coventry five days later and City beginning two days after that vs Bournemouth - both live on Sky Sports. According to Sky Sports' predictor, Arsenal are favourites to retain their crown, some four points clear of Man City. But there is renewed hunger from a different challenger to Pep Guardiola to disrupt those odds.
Neither manager is likely to treat this introductory meeting, with silverware on the line, as cordial. "For me personally, it's a trophy," Maresca said. "When trophies are there in a final you are there to win the game, no friendly game at all.
We want to try our best to win the first trophy. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player "Arsenal have shown over the last few years, they have always been there. They're a fantastic team.
Well managed, well coached from Mikel, and last year they win the Premier League. "But we are City, we want to close the gap. "Pre-season has been good.
Now we need to compete, win games, win titles. I want to see high spirit and the right mentality." When asked if Erling Haaland is fit to feature, Maresca added: "He is ok. He had a small thing behind the heel.
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