The Enzo Maresca project has begun, with Manchester City determined to snatch the Premier League crown back from Arsenal this campaign.
City are hungry to regain their title from Arsenal.
Maresca has taken charge, though things did not begin as smoothly as planned in Cardiff.
No cause for concern, though. The Community Shield is essentially an exhibition match, as any side that loses the opening fixture will readily admit, and the genuine challenge commences now.
A victory against Bournemouth on Sunday would render the Principality Stadium result a distant memory for most supporters, except Arsenal followers who have long heard Mikel Arteta maintain that the Community Shield carries genuine significance.
As the new season unfolds, City face numerous questions to address, particularly regarding the transfer market. The club are anticipated to be active in the weeks ahead, with several arrivals and departures expected to be announced.
Yet the primary objective remains clear: reclaiming the championship from Arsenal after last term’s narrow miss. The early-season defeat may have raised eyebrows, but with the proper signings and tactical adjustments, City possess the quality to mount another serious title challenge. The match at the Vitality Stadium represents an ideal opportunity to demonstrate that this campaign will differ from the last.