Tag

On Wednesday night Rodgers’ team needed extra-time and penalties to avoid the embarrassment against Carlisle United in the League Cup.

Petr Cech broke a few Arsenal hearts down the years during his glittering Chelsea career but helped the Gunners enjoy a rare victory over Jose Mourinho’s side on Sunday.

A rare win over Chelsea, in the English season’s traditional curtain-raiser, was sealed by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s fine goal after 24 minutes. I can honestly say that I cannot see that happening ever again. They earned the right to be here by winning the FA Cup.

The champions have won 14 of their 23 first round matches, a win ratio of 61 per cent, higher than all but one current Premier League side.

Chelsea begin their Barclays Premier League title defence on Saturday with Jose Mourinho committed for four more years and aware of the dangers of standing still.

Mourinho, 52, led Chelsea to the Premier League title last season as well the Capital One Cup, earming Premier League Manager of the Year honors.

Courtois was dismissed after the break for bringing down Bafetimbi Gomis, and the striker converted from the spot past Asmir Begovic to make it 2-2, which is how it stayed.

Chelsea captain John terry has warned Arsenal that their Community Shield victory over the champions will count for nothing once the real action starts in the Premier League this weekend.

It was another impressive opening-day display by Garry Monk’s Swansea, who won 2-1 at Manchester United a year ago, and added weight to Mourinho’s prediction that Chelsea will face a fight to retain their title.

They had to travel to Wembley without Alexis Sanchez, Danny Welbeck and David Ospina but Chelsea had injury woes of their own.

He said: “It’s a very, very competitive league where each team gives absolutely everything they’ve got in every game they play“.

Furthermore, history isn’t on the Gunners side – just seven out of the 23 winners of the Community Shield have later won the Premier League title.

And Rodgers said at his pre-match press conference: “When the fixture came out, I felt we couldn’t have had a better one to be honest”.

I think we have to get over the fact he’s left now. It is the two teams who play against each other.’.

The England forward says Arsene Wenger’s side are also looking to be competitive in the Champions League after disappointing last season. “We have a great team, so we are just excited about what this season can bring for us”.