Pep Guardiola was clear after defeat at Wembley: Man City wanted to beat Arsenal to win the Community Shield. The question was being asked because Manchester City were behind their opponents in terms of preparations, having started back later after finishing last season much later.
Erling Haaland had started but had been taken off on the hour mark with the game scoreless; he will be better next match, said his manager, ahead of his two goals against Burnley.
City wanted to win the Community Shield more than they have in previous years because they wanted to win six trophies in a calendar year, yet they still value the Premier League more.
That shouldn't detract from Arsenal's victory, as long as they know that they didn't face the best possible City. Sevilla won't either as the Blues continue to build up their rhythm again, and once more the Super Cup is a competition that the club are hungry for.