The2004 Football Association Community Shield(also known asThe FA Community Shield in partnership withMcDonald'sfor sponsorship reasons) was the 82nd staging of theFA Community Shield,an annual football match contested by the reigning champions of thePremier Leagueand the holders of theFA Cup.It was contested on 8 August 2004 byArsenal,champions of the2003–04 Premier League,andManchester United,who beatMillwallin thefinalof the2003–04 FA Cup.Watched by a crowd of 63,317 at theMillennium Stadium,Arsenal won the match 3–1.
 Thematch programmecover | |||||||
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| Date | 8 August 2004 | ||||||
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| Venue | Millennium Stadium,Cardiff | ||||||
| Man of the Match | José Antonio Reyes(Arsenal)[1] | ||||||
| Referee | Mike Dean(Cheshire) | ||||||
| Attendance | 63,317 | ||||||
| Weather | Light rain 20 °C (68 °F) 83%humidity[2] | ||||||
This was Manchester United's 23rd Community Shield appearance and Arsenal's 18th. Manchester United were without seven of their first-choice players for the game, which meantDavid BellionandEric Djemba-Djembacame into the starting 11.Cesc Fàbregasstarted alongsideGilberto Silvain midfield for Arsenal as captainPatrick Vieirawas absent. After a goalless first half, Arsenal took the lead when Gilberto scored in the 50th minute. StrikerAlan Smithequalised for Manchester United soon after, butJosé Antonio Reyesput Arsenal back in front after United's defenders failed to clear the ball.Mikaël Silvestrescored an own goal 11 minutes before the end that ensured Arsenal's victory.
Manchester United managerSir Alex Fergusonwas complimentary of his opponents afterwards and was pleased there were no new injuries to report. Opposing managerArsène Wengerpraised Fàbregas's performance and reiterated his desire to keep Vieira at Arsenal, after speculation regarding the player's impending transfer toReal Madrid.
Background
editFounded in 1908 as a successor to theSheriff of London Charity Shield,[3]theFA Community Shieldbegan as a contest between the respective champions of theFootball LeagueandSouthern League,although in 1913, it was played between an Amateurs XI and a Professionals XI.[4]In 1921, it was played by the league champions of the top division andFA Cupwinners for the first time.[5][a]Wembley Stadiumacted as the host of the Shield from 1974.[7]Cardiff'sMillennium Stadiumwas hosting the Shield for the fourth time; it took over as the venue for the event whileWembley Stadiumunderwent a six-year renovation between 2001 and 2006.[7]
Arsenalqualified for the 2004 FA Community Shield as winners of the Premier League.[8]They finished their league campaign without a single defeat and earned the nickname "The Invincibles",akin to thePreston North Endteam that went unbeaten in the inauguralFootball Leagueseason.[9][10]The other Community Shield place went toManchester Unitedwho had defeatedMillwall3–0 in the2004 FA Cup Final.[8][11]This was the fifth meeting between the two clubs in the Community Shield; Arsenal had won three of those meetings to Manchester United's two.[12]
Meetings between Manchester United and Arsenal were often eventful encounters, as both clubs vied for domestic honours.[13]A goalless draw between the two clubs in September 2003, in whichRuud van Nistelrooymissed a penalty instoppage time,resulted inan altercation between both teams.[14]Several Arsenal players were charged and fined accordingly byThe Football Association(FA) for instigating the brawl; the club was later fined £175,000, the largest ever given to a club by the FA.[15][16]
Pre-match
edit
Manchester United managerSir Alex Fergusonsaid in his press conference: "The game will be competitive. Prestige comes into it, pride comes into it, so it is always competitive when we play Arsenal."[17]He wanted to use the game as a means of preparing his team for theirUEFA Champions Leaguethird qualifying roundgame againstDinamo Bucureștithe following Wednesday.[18]Ferguson was concerned about the state of his squad, with several first team players injured. He was irked that senior playersCristiano Ronaldoand new signingGabriel Heinzewere absent, on duty for their respective national teams at theSummer Olympics:"Apparently, it's supposed to be for amateurs, and money earned is put in trust, but we will be paying their wages while they are away so I don't know what that's all about."[19]
When asked about Arsenal's unbeaten run and whether it would be repeated in English football, Ferguson replied:
"That was a one-off. Arsenal accumulated most points last season so they won the title fairly enough, but they didn't display championship form. They had too many draws. I think they came to a point around January where they realised they could go through the season undefeated, and that was a great driving force for them, but they had to stay undefeated to compensate for the number of draws. It was still an incredible achievement, though."[19]
Arsenal managerArsène Wengerresponded by saying: "Everybody has the freedom to make a judgement. In the last 20 minutes of every game last season, we were never behind. That means we had already done the job before."[19]He insisted the draws did not reflect on his team's negative tactics, but "because of other teams coming back into the game".[19]On the issue ofPatrick Vieira's anticipated move toReal Madrid,Wenger told reporters the player would remain at Arsenal.[18]Wenger acknowledged his team were short on experience as a result of selling players and missing Vieira,Sol CampbellandThierry Henry,who all were injured. He considered this to be a disadvantage, but argued "...the younger ones have to be given a chance. They all have to take some responsibility."[18]
Tickets for the game went on general sale on 28 July 2004. They were advertised on the FA website at a cost of between £15 and £40.[20]Sir Geoff Hurstwas named as the event's chief guest.[21]
Match
editTeam selection
editFor Arsenal, Thierry Henry was declared fit to start and played alongsideDennis Bergkampup front. 17-year-oldCesc FàbregaspartneredGilberto Silvain central midfield, withJosé Antonio ReyesandJermaine Pennantproviding width on either side.[22]Manchester United were without seven of their first-team players,[23]including Ruud van Nistelrooy, who required surgery on his hernia.[24]Wes BrownandLouis Sahawere also ruled out because of injury, soDavid BellionandEric Djemba-Djembacame into the first team.[22]
Summary
editArsenal kicked off the match and within the first two minutes forced Manchester United defenderGary Nevilleto concede a throw-in.[22]In the fifth minute, Manchester United won a free kick, but nothing came out of it asJosé Antonio ReyesblockedPaul Scholes's shot.[22]Good play by Reyes and Henry fashioned a chance for Bergkamp in the ninth minute, but his strike was off target. Two minutes later a shot by Bergkamp from outside the box was saved by Manchester United goalkeeperTim Howard.[22]Before Henry was about to take a corner for Arsenal in the 16th minute, a cigarette lighter was thrown at him from the section occupied by Manchester United supporters – this resulted in police making two arrests during the game.[25]Quinton Fortuneused his pace to get the better ofLauren,but his cross into the Arsenal penalty area was cleared byPascal Cygan.[22]Arsenal continued to threaten – Henry's free kick prompted Howard to make a save and tip the ball over the crossbar, and Bergkamp came close to scoring in the 27th minute after clever play to lose his markerJohn O'Shea.[26]The football continued to move from one end to the other, with Giggs and Reyes causing problems for their respective defences.[22]In stoppage time at the end of the first half, Henry had his shot saved by Howard, while Scholes was similarly denied by Arsenal goalkeeperJens Lehmann.[22]
| External images | |
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| 2004 FA Community Shield | |
 Picture gallaryvia The Football Association website | |
| Pictures of the matchvia BBC Sport |
Manchester United made a slight change before the second half commenced, with Neville and O'Shea switching positions, while Arsenal broughtRobin van Persieon in place of Henry.[22]Arsenal began the half more strongly – Reyes sprinted past the Manchester United defence and went past Howard in the 48th minute, but his shot hit the side-netting.[22]A minute later Arsenal scored. Bergkamp's pass put Reyes clear to run down the right-hand side of the pitch. He squared the ball to Gilberto, who side-footed it into the empty goal net.[27]Manchester United responded by making three substitutions – Fortune, Giggs andRoy Keaneoff forPhil Neville,Diego ForlánandDarren Fletcher.[22]Five minutes after going behind,Alan Smithequalised for Manchester United. A mistake in the Arsenal defence presented him with the chance to hit a half-volley; the ball dipped over Lehmann in goal.[26]Arsenal retook the lead in the 59th minute – a disjointed move that ended with Reyes shooting the ball low in the bottom left hand corner.[27]Phil Neville was shown the game's first yellow card in the 62nd minute, after fouling Reyes.[22]Van Persie's free kick a minute later was deflected for a corner, which came to nothing.Jérémie Aliadièrewho came on for Bergkamp sustained a knee injury and had to come off after only a few minutes on the field.[22]He was replaced byGaël Clichy,whose arrival according to journalistHenry Winter"…accelerated Arsenal's drive further, particularly down the left where he kept combining well with Ashley Cole."[27]In the 72nd minute,Eric Djemba-Djembaand Cole were each shown a yellow card for clashing with one another.[22]Arsenal scored their third goal of the match 11 minutes before the end. Cole carried the ball into United's penalty box and his attempted cross hit defenderMikaël Silvestre,who was helpless to prevent the ball going into his own net.[27]
Details
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Statistics
edit| Statistic | Arsenal | Manchester United |
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| Goals scored | 3 | 1 |
| Possession | 48% | 52% |
| Shots on target | 10 | 8 |
| Shots off target | 6 | 3 |
| Saves | 9 | 8 |
| Corner kicks | 5 | 7 |
| Offsides | 2 | 8 |
| Yellow cards | 1 | 2 |
| Red cards | 0 | 0 |
| Source:[29] | ||
Post-match and aftermath
edit"He's a complete player, but there is more to come from him. Ideally you would want to give him one more year [to develop]."
Arsène WengeronCesc Fàbregas's performance.[30]
Wenger clarified Vieira's future after the match: "My intention is clear: to keep him […] The challenge in front of us is hugely difficult and we need a complete focus. I'm not resigned to let the story go on. It has all to be sorted out before the season."[31]He added that if Vieira chose to leave, the club could sufficiently replace him: "We've worked very hard in the last five years to get good young players in and you saw that today."[31]Reyes, who was named man of the match, was frustrated at his missed chance early in the second half, but continued: "I set one up and then scored myself so I was much happier."[1]Bergkamp was impressed with Fàbregas's performance in the match: "Normally at 17, you might be a bit unsure when you step out. But with players like Cesc, the way he has developed in one year is quite amazing."[32]
Ferguson congratulated Arsenal on their win and said of the game: "It was about trying to make sure everyone was fit for Wednesday. I think we have managed to do that. There are no new injuries so far. Hopefully by tomorrow morning it will be a definite."[33]He believed it was important to substitute Giggs and Keane early in the second half in order for them to recuperate in time for the Dinamo București game. Scholes, however, "…needed a game, which is why I left him on that bit longer."[34]Ferguson felt Manchester United's preparations to the new season were hampered because of the injuries: "It's got a lot to do with summer football. It's not down to theEuropean Championship,but you do wonder why theCopa Américacan't be at the same time. That harmony is never quite right, from Africa to America to Europe. Something should be done about that. "[35]Giggs said Manchester United needed to take the positives out of the match and anticipated Arsenal as their main rivals in the league: "[They] know what to do and how to handle the pressure when it comes around."[36]
The two clubs next faced each other in aleague fixture at Old Traffordon 23 October 2004, where Arsenal's unbeaten league run of 49 matches came to an end as Manchester United beat them 2–0.[37]
See also
editFootnotes
edit- ^ThePremier Leaguereplaced theFootball League First Divisionat the top of theEnglish football pyramidafter its inception in 1992.[6]
References
edit- ^abc"Reyes lights up Shield".The Football Association. 8 August 2004. Archived fromthe originalon 17 August 2004.Retrieved27 June2014.
- ^"Weather history for Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom".Weather Underground.Retrieved22 March2011.
- ^"Abandonment of the Sheriff Shield".The Observer.London. 19 April 1908. p. 11.
- ^"The F.A. Charity Shield".The Times.7 October 1913. p. 10.
- ^"The Shield: From the beginning".Manchester City F.C. 4 August 2011.Retrieved21 April2014.
- ^Fynn, Alex (2 December 2001)."Continental or the full English?".The Observer.London.Retrieved3 July2014.
- ^ab"The FA Community Shield history".The Football Association.Archivedfrom the original on 9 June 2013.Retrieved3 July2013.
- ^abMcNamara, John (7 August 2004). "Multichannel choice; FA Community Shield".The Times.p. 37.
- ^"1893–1896: Liverpool rocking between 2nd and 1st division".LFC History.Retrieved27 June2014.
- ^"Media praise for" Invincibles "".BBC Sport. 17 May 2004.Retrieved27 June2014.
- ^"Man Utd win FA Cup".BBC Sport. 22 May 2004.Retrieved27 June2014.
- ^Ross, James (15 August 2013)."List of FA Charity/Community Shield Matches".Rec. Sport. Soccer Statistics Foundation.Retrieved11 January2014.
- ^Rice, Simon; De Menezes, Jack (12 February 2014)."Arsenal v Manchester United: A rivalry like no other".The Independent.London. Archived fromthe originalon 1 May 2022.Retrieved27 June2014.
- ^"Deadlock at Old Trafford".BBC Sport. 21 September 2003.Retrieved27 June2014.
- ^"Eight charged after bust-up".BBC Sport. 24 September 2003.Retrieved27 June2014.
- ^"Arsenal players banned".BBC Sport. 30 October 2003.Retrieved27 June2014.
- ^Askew, Carl (7 August 2004)."Gunners gaffer is in a Vieira bad spot".Daily Record.Glasgow.Retrieved27 June2014.
- ^abcKempson, Russell (7 August 2004)."Wenger plays games and tiresome Vieira charade rolls on".The Times.(subscription required)
- ^abcdWilson, David; Rej, Arindam (8 August 2004)."Hostilities resume for the Community".The Observer.London.Retrieved27 June2014.
- ^"Shield tickets on sale".The Football Association. 28 July 2004. Archived fromthe originalon 5 August 2004.Retrieved26 June2014.
- ^"Hurst's guest appearance".The Football Association. 7 August 2004. Archived fromthe originalon 17 August 2004.Retrieved27 June2014.
- ^abcdefghijklmn"Clockwatch: Arsenal 3–1 Man Utd".BBC Sport. 8 August 2004.Retrieved22 March2011.
- ^Taylor, Louise (8 August 2004)."Vintage red not to Ferguson's taste".The Daily Telegraph.London.Retrieved27 June2014.
- ^"Van Nistelrooy injury blow".BBC Sport. 5 August 2004.Retrieved28 June2014.
- ^"Arrests during Community Shield".BBC News.8 August 2004.Retrieved27 June2014.See alsoYouTubefootage of incident.
- ^abMcCarra, Kevin (9 August 2004)."Arsenal leave United with holes to fill and a score to settle".The Guardian.London.Retrieved27 June2014.
- ^abcdWinter, Henry (9 August 2004)."Arsenal show there is life beyond Vieira".The Daily Telegraph.London.Retrieved27 June2014.
- ^"Rules of the Football Association Community Shield"(PDF).The Football Association.Retrieved4 August2014.
- ^"Gamescast: Arsenal v Manchester United – FA Community Shield".ESPN FC. Archived fromthe originalon 14 July 2014.Retrieved19 November2013.
- ^Dickinson, Matt (9 August 2004)."Arsenal aim for rollover".The Times.Retrieved27 June2014.(subscription required)
- ^abScott, Matt (9 August 2004)."Wenger sets new D-Day for Vieira".The Guardian.London.Retrieved27 June2014.
- ^Lipton, Martin (10 August 2004)."Arsenal will stay on top".Daily Mirror.London.Retrieved27 June2014.
- ^Van Wijk, Jim (9 August 2004)."Ferguson relieved as United are unscathed".Liverpool Daily Post.Retrieved27 June2014.
- ^McDonnell, David (9 August 2004)."Fergie's Euro crisis".Daily Mirror.London.Retrieved27 June2014.
- ^Wallace, Sam (9 August 2004)."Wenger issues ultimatum to Vieira".The Daily Telegraph.London.Retrieved27 June2014.
- ^"Giggs looking ahead".The Football Association. 9 August 2004. Archived fromthe originalon 17 August 2004.Retrieved27 June2014.
- ^"Man Utd 2–0 Arsenal".BBC Sport. 24 October 2004.Retrieved27 June2014.