Community Shield 2008/09

As tradition goes, the curtain raiser to the BPL was played out yesterday between the league champions and the FA cup winners. In this case, the Community Shield featured Manchester United and last year's FA cup winners Portsmouth. To many neutrals, it brought in some much needed fresh air as the affair is normally dominated by the "Big Four" which includes Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool.

On a night where the "Respect" campaign was implemented, it ended in a stalemate with both sides having equal chances in front of goal. However, the usual "favourites" were clearly lacking firepower in the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney who both could only view from the stands due to their respective injuries.

After 90 minutes, it went to penalties which United duely won and took home the trophy for a record 13th time. Just months after beating Chelsea in the Champions League Finals on penalties, they once again proved their mettle at usurping opponents when it comes down to shoot outs.

Picture credits to Telegraph.co.uk.


United players celebrate as the final penalty is tucked in.


Community Shield Winners 2008/09: Manchester United.

Looks like my prediction of Portsmouth snatching it by 1 goal was wrong. Looks like being a sports pundit is not my thing. = )

Signing off,
Matt