Manchester City beat Chelsea to win Community Shield
Manchester City underlined their determination to retain the Premier League title as the champions warmed up for the new season with a hard-fought 3-2 win over 10-man Chelsea in the Community Shield on Sunday.
Manchester City underlined their determination to retain the Premier League title as the champions warmed up for the new season with a hard-fought 3-2 win over 10-man Chelsea in the Community Shield on Sunday.
Roberto Mancini's side will kick off their title defence against Southampton next weekend and this was the ideal preparation as City came from behind to win in a fiery encounter including a red card and eight bookings at Villa Park.
Fernando Torres had given Chelsea the lead in the 40th minute, but the dismissal of the Blues' Serbian defender Branislav Ivanovic moments later proved crucial.
City duly capitalised with fine strikes from Yaya Toure and Carlos Tevez soon after half-time turning the game around before Samir Nasri got their third on 65 minutes.
Although Chelsea substitute Ryan Bertrand pulled one back 10 minutes from the end with his first goal for the club, City held on to record their first win in the traditional curtain raiser to the English top-flight season since 1972.
"It was a great day for the club again. It doesn't matter what the trophy is, we'll celebrate it," City captain Vincent Kompany said.
"For the red card, to be honest I was far from the action, all I can say is before that we had more possession anyway.
"But it will be a tough league this season because you could see the quality Chelsea have. If we can improve on last season I'll be very happy."