We are only a few hours short of the 98th edition of the Community Shield between Liverpool and Arsenal.
Both teams will be featuring in the competition for the 23rd time. Both have won it 15 times. While Liverpool lost the Community Shield to Manchester City on penalties last year, Arsenal won it the last time they competed and in the same fashion- on penalties after the scores were 1-1.
Having won the Premier League last season and given the quality of the team they have, the Reds seem the favorites to win. However, the Gunners can’t be written off as they have improved in recent months under Mikel Arteta and managed to win the FA Cup, beating a formidable Manchester City team en route.
Today’s match at Wembley will be the fourth time Liverpool and Arsenal lock horns in the Community Shield. Let’s take a look at the last three occasions both times faced each other in the competition.
1979
This was back then the competition was called the FA Charity Shield. League champions Liverpool were up against Arsenal who won the FA Cup by beating Manchester United 3-2 in the final.
The Reds seemed heavy favorites to win as they boasted of a squad that seemed better than any other in England, comprising the likes of Kenny Dalglish, Terry McDermott, Ray Clemence and Graeme Souness, among others.
During the match, Arsenal had a very good opportunity to open the scoring through Frank Stapleton but the Irish striker’s header was saved by Clemence. Liverpool eventually opened the scoring in the 38th minute thanks to McDermott’s left-footed shot after receiving a pass from Ray Kennedy.
In the 63rd minute, Alan Hansen made an interception and made a run forward, passing the ball to Dalglish. The Scot beat Arsenal goalie Pat Jennings to double Liverpool’s lead.
The Reds extended their lead soon after thanks to McDermott who scored his second of the match. Alan Sunderland pulled one back for Arsenal but it was too little and much too late for them.
Liverpool won the match 3-1 and lifted the Community Shield for the seventh time.