Good afternoon and welcome to Sports Mole's live coverage of today's Community Shield clash between Chelsea and Manchester City at Villa Park.
It seems like just yesterday that City claimed the Premier League title on a dramatic last weekend of the season. Meanwhile, Chelsea's Champions League success has been somewhat overshadowed by other football exertions this summer.
For keen football folk, the action has not really stopped since May with Euro 2012 and the Olympics providing a host of drama. However, we are just one week away from the beginning of the Premier League season.
The Community Shield traditionally marks the beginning of the campaign - with both of these sides expected to be challenging for major honours by the time May comes around.
However, since the start of the Premier League, only seven of the 20 Community Shield winners have gone on to claim the title at the end of the season.
> Full team news can be found here.
3.40pmThat's just about me for this afternoon! Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the coverage and be sure to join us for the opening of the Premier League season next week. Until then!
3.38pmSo there we have it. Chelsea go to collect their runners-up medals - they do not look happy. Meanwhile, City will soon lift the shield. Welcome silverware for Mancini's side.
3.36pm"I think it was a great day for the club, it doesn't matter what the trophy is we will celebrate it," City skipper Kompany tells ITV.
3.34pmFour of the last five Community Shield winners have gone on to claim the Premier League title, and Mancini will hope that is a good omen for his side this season.
3.32pmCity claim the first scalp of the season, but Chelsea will argue that the game was changed following the dismissal of Ivanovic.
3.30pmThree goals in 12 second-half minutes - via Toure, Tevez and Nasri - moved City into a 3-1 lead. Meanwhile, Bertrand added a consolation for Chelsea in the final moments.
3.28pmSo there we have it. Manchester City claim the 2012 Community Shield with a 3-2 win over Chelsea. It was Chelsea who took the lead after 39 minutes courtesy of Torres, but Ivanovic was dismissed for the Blues before the break.
3.26pmMANCHESTER CITY WIN THE 2012 COMMUNITY SHIELD.
FULL-TIMEChelsea 2-3 Manchester City
3.25pmCech comes forward for the corner, but Pantilimon comes to collect. Meanwhile, Ramires has escaped a red card for bringing Silva down on the run.
3.23pmChance for City once more as Dzeko advances on goal, but he is just crowded out by Terry at the vital moment. Can Chelsea force extra time?
3.22pmMeanwhile, we will play an additional four minutes at the end of the match.
3.22pmChance! Another fine chance for City as Milner finds Aguero in the box, but somehow he fires it wide of the post.
3.22pmChance for City to make it 4-2 as Milner finds the head of Silva in the box, but his effort is straight at Cech.
3.22pmAnother change for City as Tevez is replaced by Edin Dzeko - who has been strongly linked with a move away from the club this summer.
3.20pmSo neatly for Chelsea as Torres attempts to find the run of Ramires, but his pass is just over-hit. Little over two minutes of normal time remaining.
3.18pmChelsea continue to attack as Bertrand finds Torres in the box, but his header just would not fall for Lampard and the danger is cleared.
3.16pmChelsea force a corner as Kolarov heads behind. However, Kompany rises highest to thump the header clear. The pressure from Chelsea is starting to grow.
3.16pmCity are just taking the sting out of the match at the moment with a period of possession. Meanwhile, Milner has so much room to attack down the right.
3.14pmDid I write off Chelsea too soon? We have eight minutes plus stoppage time to play at Villa Park. Game on!
3.12pmChelsea are back in this as Pantilimon spills a Sturridge shot and Bertrand slots home from close range.
3.12pmGOAL! Chelsea 2-3 Manchester City (Bertrand 78 minutes)
3.12pmAnother sighter for City as Milner finds Kompany on the edge of the box, but the defender's effort is pushed away by Cech. Little over 10 minutes remaining.
3.10pmChange for Manchester City as Nasri is replaced by David Silva - not a bad change I suppose.
3.08pmSo nearly number four for City as Nasri attempts to slip in Tevez, but Cech just manages to gather the danger. Meanwhile, the challenges are still flying in from both sides.
3.08pmMeanwhile, change for Chelsea as Daniel Sturridge replaces Mata.
3.06pmChelsea are down to ten, granted, but it looks like they have seven men at the moment. I cannot remember the last time they had possession of the ball.
3.04pmThe City fans are in full voice at the moment as Chelsea continue to get frustrated. We have not seen anything from Mata or Hazard in this second period. Meanwhile, the latter is replaced by Ryan Bertrand.
3.02pmIt's a shame for the match really, because this one is over with just about 23 minutes remaining. Chelsea just cannot get the ball.
3pmIt's just all City at the moment as Ramires just cuts out a Milner cross. Chelsea just cannot get out of their own box.
2.58pmIt's three for City as Kolarov finds Nasri in the box, and the Frenchman taps it home from close range. This one is over for me.
2.58pmGOAL! Chelsea 1-3 Manchester City (Nasri 64 minutes)
2.58pmHalf-chance for Chelsea as Ramires strikes an effort from outside the box, but Pantilimon gathers with ease. The Blues need something to fall their way this afternoon.
2.56pmThis time it's Cole's turn to go into the book as he fells Kolarov. The temperature is rising here and you can just feel another red coming.
2.54pmPenalty shout for City as Luiz bundles into the back of Tevez in the box, but Friend waves play on. The third is coming here. Chelsea cannot get out.
2.52pmCech simply did not move as that effort whistled past him. 30 minutes remaining and City lead.
2.50pmCity take the lead for the first time this afternoon as Tevez whips a wonderful strike into the top corner from outside the box.
2.50pmGOAL! Chelsea 1-2 Manchester City (Tevez 59 minutes)
2.50pmChelsea are just in the wars at the moment as Torres and Mata are both felled in the middle of the park. Meanwhile, the attacking threat is coming from City at the moment.
2.48pmSuddenly it's all City as Milner comes close to meeting a cross in the box, but Cole clips the danger clear. Oh how goals change games.
2.46pmWell that certainly changes the feel of the second period. In truth, it came against the run of play. Much the same as Torres's did in the first half.
2.46pmToure levels the match at 1-1 with a wonderful strike from outside the box. It was a clinical low finish.
2.46pmGOAL! Chelsea 1-1 Manchester City (Toure 52 minutes)
2.44pmJust a sighter for City as Kolarov shapes a free-kick into the top corner, but it was always just a little bit too high. City need to move the ball sharper in this second period.
2.42pmIt's a yellow card for Kompany as he takes out Torres on the run. The Spanish striker has started this second period in wonderful form. It appears that his confidence is returning.
2.40pmReally good run from Torres as he bursts into the City box, but Kolarov just makes the challenge at the vital moment before Lampard fires over the bar.
2.40pmGood early goalkeeping from Cech as he comes out to head the danger clear. Meanwhile, Kolarov slices it wide from about 50 yards. Ambitious! All-action start once more at Villa Park.
2.38pmHere we go then. Chelsea get us underway in the second period.
2.36pmOops. I am wrong. Gael Clichy is joining the City team in place of Savic - that is not really a great surprise.
2.36pmMeanwhile, the players are emerging onto the pitch ahead of the second period. It doesn't appear that any changes have been made.
2.34pmIt is also understood that there are concerns over the fitness of David Luiz ahead of the second period. That is the last thing Chelsea need.
2.32pmWhat will the second period bring? You would have to fancy City to get back into the match with the extra man. Meanwhile, both sides will certainly make changes as the half develops.
2.30pmWhat about the performance of Chelsea new boy Hazard? He hasn't had much of an impact, but has looked nice and tidy on the ball. Meanwhile, City's attacking threat just drifted away as the half developed.
2.28pmHere's a word from former Chelsea striker Pat Nevin on the BBC: "There's been a bit of edge to it and there is silverware involved, but you would want to get through it without any damage being done to your team. Branislav Ivanovic has been sent off, David Luiz is hobbling, so Chelsea are already in a difficult situation for the start of the season. I wouldn't be surprised if Roberto Di Matteo brings on a couple of substitutes and tried to see the game out."
2.24pmFor me the challenge from Ivanovic gets worse the more times I see it. He caught Kolarov on the shin and it really could have been a leg breaker.
2.22pmSo there we have it! In truth, not a great deal happened in the opening 39 minutes - with City arguably the better side. However, Torres handed Chelses the lead with a fine finish before Ivanovic was sent off for a challenge on Kolarov. I thought this was supposed to be a friendly of sorts?
HALF-TIMEChelsea 1-0 Manchester City
2.20pmThe tackles really are flying in at the moment as Lampard is shown a yellow for a challenge on Milner. This game is just turning a bit nasty.
2.18pmMeanwhile, we will play an additional three minutes at the end of the half.
2.16pmWow. So City have a free kick just outside the box following the challenge. Can they take advantage? No is the answer as Cech collects the Milner shot.
2.14pmSuddenly the match has sprung into life with a goal and a sending off. His foot was high, although it was harsh.
2.14pmRED CARD! Ivanovic has been sent off for a challenge on Kolarov.
2.14pmChelsea have just began to get on top in the past five minutes or so. Meanwhile, Savic is in trouble with the pace of Torres.
2.12pmChelsea take the lead and it's that man Torres - who has hardly touched the ball - as the Spaniard clips the ball over Pantilimon from close range.
2.12pmGOAL! Chelsea 1-0 Manchester City (Torres 39 minutes)
2.10pmJust a bit of news away from this match. It is understood that Liverpool have not included Manchester City target Daniel Agger in their friendly squad against Bayer Leverkusen. Could the defender be heading for City?
2.08pmAgain it's wayward from Chelsea as Cole strikes a long-range effort over the crossbar. Meanwhile, the chances for City have just dried up in recent minutes.
2.06pmRamires writes himself into the referee's book as he hauls Nasri down on the break. It is turning into one of those types of games, slightly bitty.
2.04pmIt's been better from Chelsea in the past moments as Hazard strikes one from distance, but his shot is straight at the City goalkeeper. Meanwhile, Terry twice blocks shots from Milner down the other end.
2.02pmIncredibly ambitious from Mikel as he strikes it high over the crossbar from outside the box. He should not be shooting from there! Saying that, he will probably put one in the top corner now.
2pmAgain it's decent play from City as Aguero finds Nasri on the left, but the Frenchman's cross is too long for Tevez. Almost 30 minutes played at Villa Park.
1.58pmFirst real sighter of the match for Chelsea as Ramires finds Lampard inside the box, but his effort is tame and straight at Pantilimon.
1.56pmChance! Clearest opening for City as Milner finds the head of Aguero in the box, but he flicks the ball just wide of the post.
1.56pmEverything is long into Torres at the moment. I think someone should mention that he is not in fact Didier Drogba. It's not the kind of service that he wants.
1.54pmThe pace of the match has just settled somewhat in the past few moments. But there is no doubt that City have made the better start to proceedings.
1.52pmCity continue to probe as Nasri slips in Tevez down the right, but it's good pace from Luiz as he comes across to clear the danger. Meanwhile, Cech collects of a header from Kompany from the subsequent corner.
1.50pmAgain it's decent play from City as Nasri finds Milner down the right, but the England international's cross is blocked by Terry.
1.48pmThere is no out-ball for Chelsea at the moment with their play breaking down in midfield at every opportunity. Meanwhile, Cech denies Nasri with an effort from close range.
1.46pmTorres is ever so isolated in the Chelsea attack at the moment with City's three defenders on top. Meanwhile, Aguero and Tevez are combining to good effect.
1.44pmThere are a few empty seats in the ground at the moment - and it is understood that traffic issues on the M6 have caused supporters problems travelling to the match.
1.42pmIt's sloppy play from John Obi Mikel in midfield as possession is nicked by Tevez, however, John Terry makes the challenge. Meanwhile, first yellow of the match goes to Stefan Savic for a foul on Hazard.
1.40pmDecent spell for City at the moment with De Jong, Milner and Yaya Toure involved in midfield. However, the threat from Chelsea is coming on the break with Mata and Hazard. Nothing from Torres thus far.
1.38pmThis time it's Luiz who jumps into the back of Aguero. Friendly match? Not a chance of it. Both sides just exchanging spells of possession at the moment.
1.38pmCouple of meaty challenges flying in at the moment as Nigel de Jong fells Lampard in the middle of the park. Meanwhile, both sets of fans are in good voice.
1.36pmIt's Tevez who strikes the free kick, but Petr Cech just manages to palm it around the post. Really has been a fast paced start at Villa Park.
1.36pmCity have a free kick on the edge of the Chelsea box as David Luiz fells Aguero. Chance for Mancini's side to put a ball into the danger area.
1.34pmReal end-to-end stuff at the moment as Carlos Tevez brings the ball forward for City, but he is crowded out before Frank Lampard bursts forward for Chelsea. All-action start.
1.32pmReally bright start from Chelsea with Mata and Hazard combining down the left, but Vincent Kompany just clears the danger. It's three in defence for City this afternoon.
1.30pmHere we go. Chelsea fans will have a keen eye on Hazard this afternoon. Meanwhile, it's plenty much as expected from City - and they get us underway.
1.28pmNational anthem time. We have all heard this a fair few times over the last couple of weeks that's for certain!
1.28pmWonderful atmosphere inside Villa Park. Such a different feel than the Olympic football - as it would be. This is what it is all about. The rivalry, the desire, the will to beat your opponent.
1.26pmThe FA Cup, Premier League trophy and the Community Shield have all been put on display on the pitch. Today's referee is Kevin Friend.
1.24pmHere we go then. Terry and Kompany stand side-by-side in the tunnel. The football season is back everyone!
1.22pmFormer England duo Lee Dixon and Gareth Southgate have both claimed on ITV that Mancini is frustrated with City's lack of transfer movement this summer. Are they right? Either way, the window is still open for another three weeks.
1.20pmRight, we are just about 10 minutes away from kickoff. Who will claim the first scalp of the new season?
1.18pmMeanwhile, Mancini has commented on Jack Rodwell on ITV: "We consider Jack a good player, I think he will be important in the national team for the future." City fans, does he excite you?
1.16pmWeather update: Slightly damp at Villa Park this afternoon. Although it is expected to break out into sunshine as the match develops. The rain will certainly make the pitch quicker.
1.14pmThe last five Premier League clashes between the two sides has seen three players sent off and four penalties awarded. More of the same today please!
1.12pmHowever, as any football fan knows - the real stuff starts now. City open their Premier League campaign with a home match against Southampton next Sunday. Meanwhile, it's a trip to Wigan Athletic for the Blues.
1.10pmCity also the enter the match having won all five of their warm-up matches in pre-season. Meanwhile, Chelsea have won just one and lost three of their five pre-season games to date.
1.08pmChelsea enter the match having won three of their last six competitive fixtures - losing once - while City have triumphed in all of their last six matches. A run which helped them grab the title from under United's noses last season.
1.06pmBoth sides took points from each other in the previous league campaign with Chelsea handing City their first defeat of season with a 2-1 triumph at Stamford Bridge in September. However, City took revenge by overcoming the Blues 1-0 at the Etihad in March.
1.04pmMeanwhile, City have been unusually quiet in the transfer market this summer - although the Rodwell deal could be completed today. Meanwhile, it seems certain that Carlos Tevez will remain despite his infamous fall-out with Roberto Mancini last September.
1.02pmHaving finished last season in sixth place, an improvement in league form is certainly on the agenda for Chelsea - with their European success glossing over what was a largely disappointing and troubled campaign.
1pmMuch has changed at Chelsea during the summer with the additions of Edin Hazard, Marko Marin and Oscar. Meanwhile, Didier Drogba parted ways with the club. Roberto di Matteo remains, however, with the Blues boss given a permanent deal following their Champions League success over Bayern Munich.
12.58pmAs mentioned, just seven of the last 20 Community Shield winners have gone on to claim the title - although four of the last five have done so.
12.56pmThe season has crept up so quickly, and if this year's Community Shield can match last year's - when Manchester United came from two-down to beat City 3-2 - then we will be in for a real treat this afternoon.
12.54pmMeanwhile, it has emerged in the past few moments that Manchester City have agreed a fee with Everton for their English midfielder Jack Rodwell.
12.52pmMan City: Pantilimon; Zabaleta, Kompany, Savic; Milner, De Jong, Yaya, Clichy; Nasri; Aguero, Tevez
Chelsea: Cech; Ivanovic, Luiz, Terry, Cole; Lampard, Mikel, Ramires; Mata, Hazard, Torres
12.52pmMeanwhile, Costel Pantilimon replaces Joe Hart in goal for Manchester City. Early indications are also suggesting that City will line up in a 3-5-2 formation.
12.52pmJust a reminder of the two teams. Chelsea hand a full debut to Eden Hazard - with the Belgian starting in a three-pronged attack with Juan Mata and Fernando Torres.
12.50pmHello all! Oh what a summer of football it has been. Success for Spain and Mexico in Euro 2012 and the Olympics respectively brought us yet more drama. However, the beginning of the Premier League season is in touching distance - and I simply cannot wait!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
