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Declan Rice endured an awkward yet funny moment during Arsenal’s Community Shield celebrations after the midfielder was accidentally hit in the face by the trophy.

The England international was celebrating with his teammates and the travelling Arsenal fans after the Gunners’ emphatic win over Manchester City when the incident took place.

As he celebrated the silverware with jubilant Arsenal supporters, the England midfielder lifted the traditional shield above his head, only for the rear support stand to come loose or swing down and hit him flush in the face.

Rice immediately laughed off the clumsy moment with his teammates as Arsenal carried on with their post-match lap of honour.

It became one of the more entertaining moments of Arsenal’s trophy celebrations, especially considering how dominant they had been earlier in the afternoon.

On the pitch at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Arsenal produced a statement display as they brushed aside Manchester City 3-0 to win the FA Community Shield.

Riccardo Calafiori put Arsenal ahead in the opening minute, before Kai Havertz doubled the lead ahead of half-time.

Captain Martin Odegaard then added the third early in the second half to complete a thoroughly convincing victory for the Gunners.

Arsenal’s win will only add to the optimism surrounding their chances of successfully retaining the Premier League title.

Mikel Arteta’s squad has already been strengthened over the summer, bringing added quality to a side that lifted the league trophy last season.

New signing Christos Tzolis has also made a promising early impression, while Arsenal’s established core continues to offer the consistency that has made them one of England’s strongest teams.

Bruno Guimaraes has also formed a strong partnership with Rice in the middle of the park, making the pair one of the strongest midfield combinations on paper.

The Gunners are also expected to benefit from uncertainty among several of their main rivals.

Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea are all clubs in transition, with each of the three beginning the season under new head coaches.

And while Tottenham appointed Roberto De Zerbi towards the end of last season, he too will begin the new campaign after overseeing a squad overhaul at the club.

As those clubs try to rebuild and adjust over the course of the season, that could hand Arsenal a significant advantage.