The Premier League champions mean business and anyone wanting the English crown now knows that they are going to have to work exceptionally hard to wrest it from the Etihad Stadium.
Second half goals from Yaya Toure, Carlos Tevez and Samir Nasri earned the Blues the first trophy of the new season as City downed Chelsea 3-2 – the same score they lost in last season’s renewal.
The Community Shield is often referred to as a ‘glorified friendly’, but rest assured, there was no love lost between these two sides during this traditional curtain raiser.
It was nothing short of a feisty affair with both sides eager to start the league next week in pole position and prove that they are the team to beat this year.
What was most impressive from a City fan’s perspective was that this was triumph achieved without the services of Joe Hart, Micah Richards, Joleon Lescott, Mario Balotelli and Gareth Barry – a quintet that any side would be glad to have on their books.
Mancini stuck with the with the 3-5-2 formation he trialled in pre-season.
The game got off to a lively start with both teams looking sharp, but it was City who enjoyed most of the possession as the first half progressed and looked the most threatening in front of goal.
However it was Chelsea who eventually broke the deadlock just before half time when a Ramires pass found the feet of Fernando Torres, the Spaniard slotting neatly home.
Their good fortune was short lived, however, when just minutes later Branislav Ivanovic saw red for a harsh tackle on Aleksandar Kolarov.
After the break it wasn’t long before City levelled the score when Toure got on the end of a sloppy Chelsea clearance and powered home – game on.
The equaliser seemed to fuel City’s fire as they stepped up the pace and their efforts paid off when Tevez ended a wonderful mazy run with a delightful clip into Cech’s top corner.
City maintained the momentum and doubled the lead when Nasri deflected in Aleks Kolarov’s cross.
Chelsea reduced the deficit close to the final whistle when Bertrand took advantage of a fumble by Costel Pantilimon.
However, City were worthy winners and are now ready for the title defence to kick off.
