3-0 Arsenal win over City shows real statement of intent

The Gunners surprised many at Wembley with a 3-0 win over Man City and we evaluate Arsene Wenger's chances of lifting the Premier League title this upcoming season.

It took almost 10 years for Arsene Wenger to end Arsenal's silverware jinx as the Gunners defeated Hull City 3-2 at Wembley at the end of last season to secure an FA Cup win.

Many Arsenal fans highlighted this as the all important moment that would change the future of the club, having gone through a stagnant period winning no trophies but instead focusing on financial results having built the Emirates Stadium and after selling many of the club's prized footballing assets.

However, with Arsene Wenger now spending huge transfer fees for two seasons in a row; with the arrival of Mesut Ozil last season and this summer the acquisition of Alexis Sanchez from Barcelona, many Gunners fans expect success. The win over Man City yesterday showed a real statement of intent.

The Gunners did not even field their best team and played City off the park yesterday. With Ozil, Per Mertesacker and Lukas Podolski all still on holiday having won the World Cup with Germany, Arsenal were expected to struggle in yesterday's curtain raiser against the Citizens. But that is not what was to happen. Arsenal seemed to show a real understanding not seen in seasons prior, with Olivier Giroud and Alexis Sanchez looking a real threat throughout the game and the battling Jack Wilshere a solid influence at the heart of midfield. Aaron Ramsey's goal and performance shows that he could continue where he left off last season, with more goals and of an increasing importance within the Gunners' midfield.

So, with Man City still struggling to wrap up a deal for Eliaquim Mangala and having brought in the likes of Frank Lampard, there is certainly some who think Arsenal could pose a threat to the Citizen's title challenge for 2014/15. Chelsea, as always, have spent well, but you have to wonder if Cesc Fabregas can show the qualities that made him one of Arsenal's club legends after a poor couple of seasons at his hometown club Barcelona. Meanwhile, is Diego Costa going to score the goals that made him a hero at Atletico Madrid and can Chelsea cope with an aged John Terry as their first choice centre back?

If Arsenal's 3-0 win over City in the Community Shield is anything to go by, Arsene Wenger has a squad capable of going all the way in the Premier League next season.