The FA Community Shield is the official curtain raiser in the English game, with the winners of the Premiership and the FA Cup of the previous season squaring off in a one-off contest at the iconic Wembley stadium in London. Over the years, the Shield has created much controversies and has had its moments, so today we take a look at the Top 10 goals scored ever in the English Community Shield.
10. Luis Nani v Manchester City, 2011 Community Shield
A Manchester derby is always feisty, and with the Manchester juggernauts squaring off in the opening game of the season, with a trophy at stake, things got literally noisy at Wembley in 2011. However, Luis Nani’s goal helped United come away with a satisfactory 3-2 win over City.
A wonderful interplay between Nani and Rooney saw Nani being fed into the box before he finished past Hart in the calmest finish you’ll see today.
9. Edin Dzeko v Manchester United, 2011 Community Shield
The Bosnia and Herzegovina striker had secured a big money move to Manchester City and lined up against formidable cross-town rivals Manchester United in the Shield in his first game as a Blue.
His goal from the halfway mark to beat David de Gea in goal is a treat to watch in a game which United won 2-3.
8. Didier Drogba vs Arsenal, 2005 Community Shield
Chelsea stalwart Didier Drogba had taken the Premier League by storm the year before, with his goals giving Chelsea and Jose Mourinho the English Premiership weeks in advance.
In the Community Shield, against arch-rivals and FA Cup winners Arsenal, he showed the strength and composure to latch onto a loose ball and finish past the Arsenal goalkeeper, Pepe Reina, all his own work, literally.
7. Olivier Giroud v Manchester City, 2014 Community Shield
Arsenal met City in the Shield of 2014. Giroud, a big money arrival from France in the transfer window showed what he is made of with a splendid left-footed goal that beat keeper Joe Hart for positioning.
The goal came at the end of a brilliant piece of build-up play from Arsenal’s midfield with the ball ending up at the striker’s feet.
6. Dimitar Berbatov v Chelsea, 2010 Community Shield
The Bulgarian striker was the next big thing at Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United and he always turned up in big games.
So, no surprise then when he scored a wonderful chip goal from outside the box to beat Chelsea goalkeeper Cech in the Shield of 2010.
In India: Politics & Entertainment
5. John Arne Risse v Chelsea, 2006 Community Shield
John Arne Risse of Liverpool caught the imagination of many with his sublime strike in the Shield of 2006 where they squared up with Premier League champions Chelsea at Wembley.
The goal was sheer class as the midfielder chose to overlook Luis Garcia in support and go for goal himself with a thunderous left-footer.
4. Alan Smith v Arsenal, 2004 Community Shield
In a game that United lost 1-3 to the Invincibles Arsenal, Alan Smith of the Red Devils scored a spectacular volley in the Shield that was controlled beautifully, brought down and shot with equal pace and power.
However, goals from Henry and Bergkamp meant that his goal meant nothing in the context of the game.
3. Thiery Henry v Manchester United, 2003 Community Shield
In the days of the Ferguson-Wenger feud, Henry and Rooney were the kingpins for the two managers. The Arsenal ace scored a wonderful goal in the Shield of 2003 to equalize after the Gunners had fallen behind.
Henry took on a free kick well out and smashed home past the wall and the flailing goalkeeper to mark the occasion with a World class goal.
In Football: Active Footballers Who Are the Best Passers
2. Ian Wright v Manchester United, 1993 Community Shield
Arsenal legend Ian Wright scored an absolute classic against Manchester United at the Wembley for Arsenal when he volleyed home from the edge of the box with his balance almost failing him.
The volley, which can also be called a half-bicycle kick, flew in, and only few today can explain how the Arsenal striker managed to keep his balance in such a moment.
1. Paul Ince v Blackburn Rovers, 1994 Community Shield
Manchester United striker Paul Ince lit up the stadium against Blackburn in the Community Shield or Football Association Cup of 1994 with a brilliant overhead kick to finish neatly into the bottom corner.
The goal came off a Ryan Giggs corner that wasn’t cleared by the Blackburn defenders and Ince pounced on it with wonderful technique.