Manchester City looked lost without Guardiola. Arsenal made sure everyone noticed

At the end of the 2020/21 season, Sergio Agüero scored twice as Manchester City comfortably defeated Everton 5-0. However, coach Pep Guardiola was visibly emotional after the match, stating that they "cannot replace him" after the Argentine forward's departure. Five years later, City face the daunting challenge of finding a replacement for Guardiola, who ended his decade-long tenure at the club at the season's conclusion.

Enzo Maresca, a former Guardiola assistant, signed a three-year deal with City, paying around £17m in compensation to Chelsea. City's performance in the Community Shield match against defending champions Arsenal on Sunday revealed their underprepared state, as they were knocked down to a goal deficit within just 23 seconds. Maresca's team struggled in midfield and defense, allowing Arsenal to capitalize on the space created by City's forwards, ultimately winning 3-0.

While City has the financial resources to sign players, replicating Guardiola's success proves to be a more complex task. Maresca himself faced difficulties, as his team underperformed in the Community Shield. Guardiola's legacy looms large over potential successors, who will inevitably be judged by the man who led City to four consecutive Premier League titles and their first-ever Champions League victory.