RVP: 2004 COMMUNITY SHIELD REVIEWED

Dutchman Robin Van Persie (RVP) was a second half substitute as his Arsenal side beat Manchester United to win the 2004 Community Shield. The 2004 Community Shield was contested between Arsenal and Manchester United after they won the Premier League title and the FA Cup title respectively.

Arsenal won the Premier League title during the 2003/04 season without losing a single game and the feat has not been matched till date as far as the Premier League scene is concerned. On their part, Manchester United beat London side Millwall in the 2004 FA Cup final to win the 2003/04 FA Cup title.

Gunners manager Arsene Wenger opted for the tried and trusted duo of Dennis Bergkamp and Thierry Henry in attack for the aforementioned Community Shield clash as Robin Van Persie had to be contented with a place on the bench. In midfield, Frenchman Wenger picked young Spanish player Cesc Fabregas and Brazilian star Gilberto Silva in the absence of compatriot and skipper Patrick Vieira. The abovementioned Bergkamp led the Arsenal team out for the game in the place of Vieira. Spaniard Jose Antonio Reyes Reyes was picked for the left side of the Arsenal attack, while Englishman Jermaine Pennant was on the right side of the Arsenal attack. In the Arsenal goal, Wenger picked German Jens Lehmann ahead of Manuel Almunia, while Lauren (right-back), Ashley Cole (left-back), Pascal Cygan (centre back) and KoloToure (centre back) were the defenders.
When Robin Van Persie came on for Thierry Henry at the start of the second half, the scoreline was goalless, It took just five second half minutes for Arsenal to break the deadlock thanks to the goal from Gilberto Silva. Alan Smith restored parity for Manchester United five minutes later before the Gunners regained the lead through Jose Antonio Reyes three minutes later. Arsenal sealed the win with a Mikeal Silvestre own goal on 78 minutes.