Chelsea against Manchester City

An errant touch from Torres as Ramires raided down the right. Good spirit from Chelsea in the last ten minutes.

Lampard does well to nick the ball from Tevez as the Argentine harried into the box. Kolarov was in space too.

Bertrand has been busy since he came on, slipping Cole inside the area just then but Zabaleta stood firm.

Chelsea are giving it a go though, as they win a corner and send men forward. Could well be another goal in this game.

Hopefully that will set up a grandstand finish but with Chelsea tiring, and a man down, City should be able to hold on - barring any more goalkeeping errors.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Double yellows for Pantilimon and Bertrand too as the battle over the ball once it had hit the net. The goalkeeper at fault for not holding onto Sturridge's effort, certainly. A sniff for chelsea.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Bertrand pulls one back after Pantilimon spills Sturridge's low shot.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2012/0812/yayatouremancitycelebcommunityshield20120812_275x155.jpg"><br>Yaya Toure spanked Manchester City onto level terms and the Premier League champs kicked on from there

Lampard clatters into Milner as Chelsea's frustrations boil over a little.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Nasri off, to be replaced by David Silva.

Very nearly a chance for Kolarov to make it four as Tevez rolled a delicate pass into the area but Cech was alive to it and sank on the ball.

The game has taken on a pre-season friendly feel now, after a pretty ferocious first hour.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Now Sturridge comes on for Mata.

City utterly dominant now, keeping the ball and spraying it around.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> A Chelsea change: Hazard makes way and Ryan Bertrand comes on.

Hazard dwells on the ball a little and Zabaleta slides in to win back possession.

A City corner drops on the edge of the box to Nasri but he slices his half volley wide.

Bit of a disservice to Nasri saying he poked that one home, it was a very good finish to what was a strongly hit cross from Kolarov. City are running riot now.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Game over I would suggest - Nasri pokes home Kolarov's cross and that is 3-1 City.

Ramires fires a shot in on goal but it was always right down Pantilimon's throat.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Now Cole is booked for a petulant kick on Tevez.

Zabaleta clips Hazard who goes down a little easily again. Cole takes the free kick quickly and wastes possession.

Two goals in six minutes for City and nearly a penalty too as Luiz barges Tevez inside the box. Tevez gets up smartly and wins a corner.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Tevez with a stunner! What a strike! He took the ball from Nasri, cut inside and laced a shot into the top corner past a motionless Cech. <b>Man City 2-1 Chelsea</b>.

Torres is working his socks off this afternoon and does well there to win a free kick and buy Chelsea some time.

Good work from Ashley Cole as he halts a promising City break down the left. Can Chelsea weather the storm?

A fine finish from Toure, after what was a slightly muffed first touch. Cech had his angles just about right but it was the power that beat him.

<b>Man City 1-1 Chelsea</b> John Terry's attempted clearance from a corner fell to Toure on the edge of the box and he fired a low drive past Petr Cech. Game on.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Yaya Toure smashes it home.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Torres is in the mood here, as he charges at City again and draws a block from Kompany. Yellow for City's skipper.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Torres is in the mood here, as he charges at City again and draws a block from Kompany. Yellow for City's skipper.

With less than a week to go until the start of the new Premier League season there is still time to sign up for ESPN's Premier Fantasy game. <a href="http://games.espn.go.com/premier-fantasy/en_GB/" target="_blank">All the information you need is right here</a>.

Great burst from Torres as he pokes the ball past Clichy and is only thwarted by Kolarov at the last.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> We are back, and with a change as Gael Clichy replaces Savic.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2012/0812/branislavivanovicwalksoffpitchcommunityshield20120812_275x155.jpg"><br>Branislav Ivanovic walks off the pitch after being red carded for a shin-high tackle on Aleksandar Kolarov

While Manchester City are also on the hunt for new talent, and the breaking news this afternoon is that they have <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1132871/everton-accept-%27undisc" target="_blank">agreed a fee with Everton for Jack Rodwell</a>.

Plenty of good stuff on Soccernet this Sunday. Firstly, <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1132850/sir-alex-ferguson-steps-up-man-utd%27s-robin-van-persie-pursuit?cc=5739" target="_blank">Alex Ferguson has stepped up Man Utd's pursuit of Robin Van Perise</a>.

<b>HALF TIME</b> The whistle is greeted with a chorus of boos and a sweary chant aimed at Kevin Friend by the Chelsea fans. A fiery game so far, Chelsea a goal up and a man down.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> This game is getting tasty - Lampard charges in on Milner, winning the ball but catching the player. Kevin Friend isn't doing a particularly good job so far I don't think.

After all that, City have a free kick 20 yards out to the left of the area, and Milner curls it to the near post where Cech meets it comfortably.

Two-feet were raised and it didn't look great but I don't think that is a red card. Prior to that he gave City a free kick when it looked like he impeded Torres. Had Chelsea won the foul, Savic would have been off.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/red_card.jpg" height="15"> Kevin Friend has sent off Ivanovic for a lunging tackle provoking familiar scenes as both sets of players surround the ref. He went in two-footed but his feet weren't high. Unfortunate I'd say.

Superb work from Ramires to set that goal up. He decieved Savic then offloaded at just the right time. Good finish from Torres too.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Torres strikes! What a big goal that could be in his Chelsea career. Ramires danced into the box, flicked the ball to his right and Torres pokes home from seven yards.

Ivanovic looks for the marauding Lampard with a long ball but Kompany read it well and nods clear.

Torres clips a ball into the box but Zabaleta clears and now Tevez tries to find Aguero but Luiz knocks the ball out of play.

Hazard lobs a ball into the area looking for Mata but Pantilimon is out smartly to claim the ball.

Ashley Cole whacks a shot well over the bar from range.

City have looked very strong here - enjoying most of the possession, solid at the back and creating decent openings.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Ramires is carded for a blatant trip on Nsari. Yaya Toure all the while chirping at the referee.

Two efforts on goal from City - first Tevez, then Milner, both blocked.

Hazard has a pop on goal but Pantilimon saves his daisy cutter. David Dunn is now trending on Twitter thanks to Hazard's fall a moment ago.

Chelsea work a corner short, to Mikel, but his shot from 35 yards is miles wide. Not to mention high.

Another cross from Milner - City have had some joy down the right - but this one is poor.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2012/0812/vincentkompanyandfernandotorrescommunityshield20120812_275x155.jpg"><br>Fernando Torres does battle with Vincent Kompany. Guess who won?

First decent effort from Chelsea as Ramires squares for Lampard but he can't get enough purchase on it to worry Pantilimon who catches comfortably.

Good early cross from Milner and Aguero gets to it first but his glancing header is too thin to trouble the far post. Good move though.

Luiz pumps the ball long to Torres. Not the kind of service he wants.

Predictably, the lament of "What a waste of money," rings round Villa Park.

Uproar from the City fans as Hazard falls over attempting a back heel. Not quite a David Dunn moment but not far off.

Kompany flicks Milner's corner on at the near post but it is right at Cech.

This time Tevez tries to get the better of Luiz. He stands firm and wins a corner.

City looking dangerous here as Milner gets plenty of room on the right and attempts a cross before Cole gets back to block. Corner.

Aguero squanders a really good chance for City with an errant touch before Luiz closed him down - Nasri was free and in on goal to his left.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2012/0812/johnterryandedenhazardcommunityshield20120812_275x155.jpg"><br>John Terry gees up Chelsea's new signing Eden Hazard before kick-off

Milner can't quite keep the ball in after tricking his way to the byline.

Roy Hodgson is in attendance, after a well earned rest following Euro 2012. Seems a long time ago now doesn't it?

Poor free kick from Mata from the right hand side. City look sharper in the opening 12 minutes, no doubt.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> First yellow of the game, for Savic, who was late on Hazard.

City's fans have a new song, it goes: "We won the league in Fergie-time."

Milner intercepts a Mata pass that was meant for Torres. Chelsea haven't quite got going in an attacking sense yet.

Corner for City and Nasri will take it, Ivanovic flicks behind for another from the opposite side.

Hazard gets his first ticking off from a referee for diving as he hit the turf under no contact from Toure. Thunderous pace to the game as Luiz now fouls Aguero.

Lampard is caught late by De Jong - the latest in a steady line of fierce tackles.

Luiz gives away a free kick and from it Tevez nearly profits. Nasri turns the ball back in and Lampard clears.

Then Torres' first involvement is far from exemplary - losing possession when a fast break was on.

Good early break from City as Nasri looked to weave his way through Chelsea's back line but an errant touch allows Ramires to bring the ball away.

So, football, welcome back. Here we go....

Plenty of empty seats at Villa Park too. Good job it isn't at Wembley - it'd be about a third full.

Of course, the Olympics is the reason the game is being held at Villa Park and not Wembley, given how London is slightly preoccupied with hosting the biggest sporting show on earth.

The national anthem is belted out at Villa Park. Usually when I've heard that in the last few weeks it has heralded another Team GB gold medal at the Olympics and I've found myself welling up with pride. No sniffles today though.

As for City, Joe Hart is injured so Pantilimon takes his place. Tevez and Aguero start up front, Balotelli isn't even on the bench though he is at the ground, while Yaya Toure, De Jong and Milner anchor the midfield.

As for the team news, Chelsea line up with Torres up top - a big season for that particular chap - while Hazard gets his full debut. Mata and Ramires will also support Torres while John Terry skippers the side.

An interesting snippet of news coming out before the game as Manchester City confirm on their website that they have agreed a fee for Everton's Jack Rodwell. <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1132871/everton-accept-%27undisclosed%27-manchester-city-bid-for-jack-rodwell?cc=5739" target="_blank">Have a read of our full story here</a>.

Before the action gets underway, in about ten minutes, why not have a read of <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/preview?id=348159&cc=5739" target="_blank">Jon Carter's match preview as the battle for supremacy in England begins again</a>.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2012/0722/edenhazardchelsea20120716_275x155.jpg"><br> The traditional curtain raiser for the Premier League season is upon us with the Community Shield kicking off at 1330 BST. It is the FA Cup winners Chelsea against the Premier League champions Manchester City. And it's our first real glimpse of Chelsea's new talent, including Eden Hazard.

A City corner drops on the edge of the box to Nasri but he slices his half volley wide.

Bit of a disservice to Nasri saying he poked that one home, it was a very good finish to what was a strongly hit cross from Kolarov. City are running riot now.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Game over I would suggest - Nasri pokes home Kolarov's cross and that is 3-1 City.

Ramires fires a shot in on goal but it was always right down Pantilimon's throat.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Now Cole is booked for a petulant kick on Tevez.

Zabaleta clips Hazard who goes down a little easily again. Cole takes the free kick quickly and wastes possession.

Two goals in six minutes for City and nearly a penalty too as Luiz barges Tevez inside the box. Tevez gets up smartly and wins a corner.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Tevez with a stunner! What a strike! He took the ball from Nasri, cut inside and laced a shot into the top corner past a motionless Cech. <b>Man City 2-1 Chelsea</b>.

Torres is working his socks off this afternoon and does well there to win a free kick and buy Chelsea some time.

Good work from Ashley Cole as he halts a promising City break down the left. Can Chelsea weather the storm?

A fine finish from Toure, after what was a slightly muffed first touch. Cech had his angles just about right but it was the power that beat him.

<b>Man City 1-1 Chelsea</b> John Terry's attempted clearance from a corner fell to Toure on the edge of the box and he fired a low drive past Petr Cech. Game on.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Yaya Toure smashes it home.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Torres is in the mood here, as he charges at City again and draws a block from Kompany. Yellow for City's skipper.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Torres is in the mood here, as he charges at City again and draws a block from Kompany. Yellow for City's skipper.

With less than a week to go until the start of the new Premier League season there is still time to sign up for ESPN's Premier Fantasy game. <a href="http://games.espn.go.com/premier-fantasy/en_GB/" target="_blank">All the information you need is right here</a>.

Great burst from Torres as he pokes the ball past Clichy and is only thwarted by Kolarov at the last.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> We are back, and with a change as Gael Clichy replaces Savic.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2012/0812/branislavivanovicwalksoffpitchcommunityshield20120812_275x155.jpg"><br>Branislav Ivanovic walks off the pitch after being red carded for a shin-high tackle on Aleksandar Kolarov

While Manchester City are also on the hunt for new talent, and the breaking news this afternoon is that they have <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1132871/everton-accept-%27undisc" target="_blank">agreed a fee with Everton for Jack Rodwell</a>.

Plenty of good stuff on Soccernet this Sunday. Firstly, <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1132850/sir-alex-ferguson-steps-up-man-utd%27s-robin-van-persie-pursuit?cc=5739" target="_blank">Alex Ferguson has stepped up Man Utd's pursuit of Robin Van Perise</a>.

<b>HALF TIME</b> The whistle is greeted with a chorus of boos and a sweary chant aimed at Kevin Friend by the Chelsea fans. A fiery game so far, Chelsea a goal up and a man down.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> This game is getting tasty - Lampard charges in on Milner, winning the ball but catching the player. Kevin Friend isn't doing a particularly good job so far I don't think.

After all that, City have a free kick 20 yards out to the left of the area, and Milner curls it to the near post where Cech meets it comfortably.

Two-feet were raised and it didn't look great but I don't think that is a red card. Prior to that he gave City a free kick when it looked like he impeded Torres. Had Chelsea won the foul, Savic would have been off.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/red_card.jpg" height="15"> Kevin Friend has sent off Ivanovic for a lunging tackle provoking familiar scenes as both sets of players surround the ref. He went in two-footed but his feet weren't high. Unfortunate I'd say.

Superb work from Ramires to set that goal up. He decieved Savic then offloaded at just the right time. Good finish from Torres too.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Torres strikes! What a big goal that could be in his Chelsea career. Ramires danced into the box, flicked the ball to his right and Torres pokes home from seven yards.

Ivanovic looks for the marauding Lampard with a long ball but Kompany read it well and nods clear.

Torres clips a ball into the box but Zabaleta clears and now Tevez tries to find Aguero but Luiz knocks the ball out of play.

Hazard lobs a ball into the area looking for Mata but Pantilimon is out smartly to claim the ball.

Ashley Cole whacks a shot well over the bar from range.

City have looked very strong here - enjoying most of the possession, solid at the back and creating decent openings.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Ramires is carded for a blatant trip on Nsari. Yaya Toure all the while chirping at the referee.

Two efforts on goal from City - first Tevez, then Milner, both blocked.

Hazard has a pop on goal but Pantilimon saves his daisy cutter. David Dunn is now trending on Twitter thanks to Hazard's fall a moment ago.

Chelsea work a corner short, to Mikel, but his shot from 35 yards is miles wide. Not to mention high.

Another cross from Milner - City have had some joy down the right - but this one is poor.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2012/0812/vincentkompanyandfernandotorrescommunityshield20120812_275x155.jpg"><br>Fernando Torres does battle with Vincent Kompany. Guess who won?

First decent effort from Chelsea as Ramires squares for Lampard but he can't get enough purchase on it to worry Pantilimon who catches comfortably.

Good early cross from Milner and Aguero gets to it first but his glancing header is too thin to trouble the far post. Good move though.

Luiz pumps the ball long to Torres. Not the kind of service he wants.

Predictably, the lament of "What a waste of money," rings round Villa Park.

Uproar from the City fans as Hazard falls over attempting a back heel. Not quite a David Dunn moment but not far off.

Kompany flicks Milner's corner on at the near post but it is right at Cech.

This time Tevez tries to get the better of Luiz. He stands firm and wins a corner.

City looking dangerous here as Milner gets plenty of room on the right and attempts a cross before Cole gets back to block. Corner.

Aguero squanders a really good chance for City with an errant touch before Luiz closed him down - Nasri was free and in on goal to his left.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2012/0812/johnterryandedenhazardcommunityshield20120812_275x155.jpg"><br>John Terry gees up Chelsea's new signing Eden Hazard before kick-off

Milner can't quite keep the ball in after tricking his way to the byline.

Roy Hodgson is in attendance, after a well earned rest following Euro 2012. Seems a long time ago now doesn't it?

Poor free kick from Mata from the right hand side. City look sharper in the opening 12 minutes, no doubt.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> First yellow of the game, for Savic, who was late on Hazard.

City's fans have a new song, it goes: "We won the league in Fergie-time."

Milner intercepts a Mata pass that was meant for Torres. Chelsea haven't quite got going in an attacking sense yet.

Corner for City and Nasri will take it, Ivanovic flicks behind for another from the opposite side.

Hazard gets his first ticking off from a referee for diving as he hit the turf under no contact from Toure. Thunderous pace to the game as Luiz now fouls Aguero.

Lampard is caught late by De Jong - the latest in a steady line of fierce tackles.

Luiz gives away a free kick and from it Tevez nearly profits. Nasri turns the ball back in and Lampard clears.

Then Torres' first involvement is far from exemplary - losing possession when a fast break was on.

Good early break from City as Nasri looked to weave his way through Chelsea's back line but an errant touch allows Ramires to bring the ball away.

So, football, welcome back. Here we go....

Plenty of empty seats at Villa Park too. Good job it isn't at Wembley - it'd be about a third full.

Of course, the Olympics is the reason the game is being held at Villa Park and not Wembley, given how London is slightly preoccupied with hosting the biggest sporting show on earth.

The national anthem is belted out at Villa Park. Usually when I've heard that in the last few weeks it has heralded another Team GB gold medal at the Olympics and I've found myself welling up with pride. No sniffles today though.

As for City, Joe Hart is injured so Pantilimon takes his place. Tevez and Aguero start up front, Balotelli isn't even on the bench though he is at the ground, while Yaya Toure, De Jong and Milner anchor the midfield.

As for the team news, Chelsea line up with Torres up top - a big season for that particular chap - while Hazard gets his full debut. Mata and Ramires will also support Torres while John Terry skippers the side.

An interesting snippet of news coming out before the game as Manchester City confirm on their website that they have agreed a fee for Everton's Jack Rodwell. <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1132871/everton-accept-%27undisclosed%27-manchester-city-bid-for-jack-rodwell?cc=5739" target="_blank">Have a read of our full story here</a>.

Before the action gets underway, in about ten minutes, why not have a read of <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/preview?id=348159&cc=5739" target="_blank">Jon Carter's match preview as the battle for supremacy in England begins again</a>.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2012/0722/edenhazardchelsea20120716_275x155.jpg"><br> The traditional curtain raiser for the Premier League season is upon us with the Community Shield kicking off at 1330 BST. It is the FA Cup winners Chelsea against the Premier League champions Manchester City. And it's our first real glimpse of Chelsea's new talent, including Eden Hazard.