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Mikel Arteta was unable to hide his satisfaction after seeing Arsenal outclass Manchester City in a statement 3-0 win to lift the Community Shield. The Gunners manager hailed his side's relentless hunger and competitive edge as they swept past the FA Cup holders at the Millennium Stadium.

Arteta reflects on dominant display

The Arsenal boss was full of appreciation for his players after they claimed the first silverware of the season with an emphatic victory over their title rivals. Goals from Riccardo Calafiori, Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard sealed a comfortable outing for the North London club, who looked sharp and physically stronger throughout the match. The result represented the biggest winning margin in a Community Shield final since 2014, leaving City manager Enzo Maresca with plenty to think about before the new campaign begins.

Speaking to the media soon after the final whistle, Arteta underlined the significance of the display. "I am extremely happy with the performance, and with the win, we talked about the desire that we have to start the season and to show ourselves how much we want it, and I saw a lot of positive things there against a top opponent," the Spaniard said.

He added: "I think today is down to the preparation we did in pre-season, and the decisions that the boys have taken after the World Cup to make sure they're prepared and wanting to play in this competition. I was very impressed with the manner that we played and the manner that we competed, so that's the standard for us. I'm sure that we're going to be really, really competitive."

Tzolis earns high praise on debut

One of Arsenal's standout performers was summer signing Tzolis, who played a key role in prising open the City defence. The winger supplied the assists for the second and third goals, troubling the opposition backline with his direct running and smart decision-making in the final third.

Arteta was quick to praise the new arrival for his composure and instant influence on the team's attacking play in his first competitive appearance for Arsenal, saying: "He has a massive quality, which is that when he's in the last 20 or 30 metres he's so composed in and around the box with his decisive actions, and he's shown that again today."

The manager also responded to recent remarks from Mikel Merino, who suggested Arsenal now have the best midfield in the world. Arteta stayed measured but confident about his midfield unit, saying, "it's the best midfield for Arsenal, that's for sure, and we need everyone to complement their qualities to the player next to them.

Squad selection and registration frustrations

Despite the celebratory atmosphere, there were some notable absentees from the matchday squad, including Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus and rising talent Ethan Nwaneri. Arteta explained that those omissions were not injury-related, but instead down to the restrictive nature of the current squad-size regulations.

Speaking to TNT Sports, the Arsenal manager expressed his frustration with the present system. "It’s really sad not to have their availability. I’ve been fighting with the Premier League to extend and accommodate more players in the squad because they deserve to be in the squad, there’s no question. Ethan and Marli as well, who has had the whole pre-season with us. Hopefully we can change that rule so players can enjoy on the pitch and can be an option to play and contribute to the team going forward." Those comments come amid reports that Martinelli recently chose to remain at the Emirates.

Ambition for more silverware

While many questioned whether the Gunners would maintain the same hunger after reaching the top of English football, Arteta made it clear that his players are more driven than ever to keep their success going. "I want to live that moment again. I want to live it even bigger; we know what it will take and that it will demand something special, but we are ready for it," he said.

With new signings such as Tzolis making an immediate impact and the core of the title-winning squad appearing sharper than ever, the Gunners look well placed to compete strongly on every front once again.