The FA Community Shield, often viewed as the curtain raiser to the English Premier League (EPL) season since 1992, has become an important fixture in the football calendar, marking the unofficial start of the new season. This match is contested between the winners of the Premier League and the FA Cup from the previous season, or, in the case of a domestic double, between the Premier League winners and the league runners-up.
Historical Significance
Since the rebranding of the top tier of English football to the Premier League in 1992, the FA Community Shield has taken on greater significance. It is seen as a prestigious match that offers a glimpse into the form and readiness of the top teams ahead of the new season. The match is not just about winning a trophy; it’s about setting the tone for the season ahead, building momentum, and making a statement to rivals.
Importance to Premier League Fans
For Premier League fans, the Community Shield is more than just a pre-season friendly. It’s a tradition that fuels anticipation for the new season. The match often features high-profile signings, tactical adjustments, and the rekindling of rivalries, providing fans with an early taste of the battles to come. While it may not carry the same weight as the Premier League or FA Cup, winning the Community Shield is still a matter of pride and is often seen as a good omen for the season.
Changes in the Format and Relevance
In the 1980s and early 1990s, drawn games resulted in each team holding the trophy for six months, but in 1993 penalties were re-introduced to decide drawn games. In 2002, the Charity Commission found that the Football Association had failed to meet its legal obligations under charity law, by failing to specify what money from ticket sales went to charity and delaying payments to the charities nominated. As a result, the competition was renamed the Community Shield. Arsenal were the first winners of the renamed Community Shield with a 1–0 victory over Liverpool.
The rules of the Community Shield are generally the same as those of the Premier League, with a team of 11 starting players and 7 substitutes. However, unlike in most other competitions where only five substitutions are permitted, teams in the Community Shield are permitted up to six substitutions. If the scores are level after 90 minutes, the teams play a penalty shootout.
Memorable Matches and Storylines
Several Community Shield matches have stood out over the years, offering fans memorable moments:
- Leeds United vs Liverpool (1992): A 4-3 victory for Leeds, marked by a hat-trick from Eric Cantona, setting the tone for a dramatic season.
- Blackburn vs Everton (1995): A rare victory for Everton in a 1-0 match, showcasing fresh competition.
- Manchester United vs Newcastle United (1996): A 4-0 drubbing by Manchester United, highlighting their dominance.
- Arsenal vs Manchester United (1998): A 3-0 win for Arsenal that intensified their rivalry with Manchester United.
- Manchester United vs Arsenal (1999): A tightly contested 2-1 victory for Arsenal, adding to their fierce rivalry with Manchester United.
- Liverpool vs Manchester United (2001): A thrilling 4-3 win for Liverpool, remembered for its dramatic flair.
- Arsenal vs Liverpool (2002): A 1-0 win for Arsenal, showcasing their early 2000s dominance.
- Arsenal vs Manchester United (2003): A 4-3 penalty shootout win for Arsenal after a 1-1 draw.
- Manchester United vs Chelsea (2007): A 3-0 penalty shootout victory for Manchester United after a 1-1 draw, marking the first final at the new Wembley Stadium.
- Chelsea vs Manchester United (2010): A 3-1 win for Manchester United, marked by standout performances from Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs.
- Manchester City vs Manchester United (2011): A dramatic 3-2 comeback victory for Manchester United, featuring a hat-trick from Nani.
- Manchester City vs Chelsea (2018): A 2-0 win for Manchester City, showcasing their dominance under Pep Guardiola.
- Manchester City vs Liverpool (2019): A 1-1 draw followed by a penalty shootout win for Manchester City, setting the stage for a thrilling season.
What Fans Should Remember
The Community Shield’s Unique Status: While not as prestigious as other trophies, the Community Shield has a special place in English football as a marker of the new season.
The Intensity and Rivalries: The match often reignites rivalries and offers an early glimpse into the form of top players and teams.Memorable Moments: From dramatic comebacks to outstanding individual performances, the Community Shield has produced moments that have set the tone for entire seasons.
In essence, the FA Community Shield serves as both a celebration of the previous season’s successes and a tantalizing preview of the drama, excitement, and passion that the new Premier League season promises to deliver.
