As sure as the kids going back to school heralds the onset of Autumn, the Community Shield, which only a disaffected Stretford can refer to as a meaningful trophy, denotes the start of yet another eagerly anticipated Premier League Season.
At Wembley today, Centurion Champions Manchester City took on Chelsea, conquerors in the same stadium of the said disaffected Stretfords in the FA Cup final last season.
With many members of both teams’ starters resting up after the exertions of the World Cup, Guardiola went with Bravo between the sticks, Walker, Stones, Laporte and Mendy across the back, Fernandinho, Foden and Bernardo in midfield, Mahrez, Aguero and Sane up top.