Manchester City enter the Community Shield showdown on the back of a 2-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid in their most recent friendly game while the Gunners retained their Emirates Cup crown after beating Monaco on penalties. As Man City reveled in their unrestrained celebrations as last season ended, Arsenal were able to quietly cheer the consolation prize of a place in the Community Shield courtesy of their second-placed finish in the 2022-23 Premier League campaign. It is worth noting, however, that the Gunners League campaign exceeded all the expectations placed before them at the beginning of the season. Mikel Arteta's side could still get a reward for their efforts as they could get their hands on the silverware if they are able to beat Manchester City on Sunday. 

Arsenal have already added one more trophy to their cabinet by defending their Emirates Cup title on Wednesday courtesy of their brilliance in the penalty shootout where they outsmarted Ligue 1 powerhouse Monaco. The Gunners have also put five goals passed Barcelona in their USA friendly tour although Barca boss Xavi Hernandes complained that Arsenal played the game with the temple like that of a UEFA Champions League fixture rather than that of a friendly match. They, however, suffered a 2-0 defeat to their long-time arch-rivals Manchester United although that loss could be greatly attributed to individual errors. Arsenal have won each of their last Community Shield matches developing a penchant for England's version of the Super Cup. Arteta will be under no illusion, however, that his side will possess the underdog tag against Pep Guardiola's men ahead of the match.

Man City embarked on a tour of South Korea and Japan on the back of their trio of trophies that included the UEFA Champions League title that they won for the first time in history. Guardiola also masterminded a 2-1 win over his old employers Bayern Munich in Tokyo but just days later his side was wounded by Atletico Madrid who ensured that City's friendly tour ended in a defeat. Man City, however, will be hunting for their seventh Community Shield title when they meet up with Arsenal on Sunday. The last time the two met on this showdown, Arsene Wenger's Arsenal side trumped up Manuel Pellegrini's City side 3-0. Manchester City have, however, beaten Arsenal eight times in a row ever since the 2019-20 FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley.

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