According to manager Pep Guardiola, Arsenal have the upper hand over Manchester City going into the Community Shield because of the treble winner’s hectic schedule in the final weeks of the previous season.

Due to their victories in the Champions League and FA Cup, City had a demanding schedule, whilst Arsenal had a less demanding season and was vying with Guardiola’s team for the Premier League crown.

The customary Premier League season opener will take place on Sunday between City, who won their first Champions League title in June, and Arsenal, who finished second.

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“The situation that we are in, we finished (last season) two weeks later than Arsenal and we start (this season) two weeks later.

“So, we are not in the best way,” the Spaniard told reporters.

“We struggle to restart every season but it’s fine, and hopefully our mentality can help us to be there and compete.”

Arsenal, led by manager Mikel Arteta, is attempting to cut the gap at the top of the league, and Guardiola thinks the north London team has signed players who are ready to start right away.

Manchester City lost last season Community Shield to Liverpool and Guardiola men would not be throwing all their weight on Sunday’s curtain raiser against the Gunners.