Arsenal v Manchester United: Reliving the Thrilling 2003 Community Shield Clash

A Memorable Showdown

The 2003 Community Shield, held on August 10th, 2003, at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, marked an unforgettable showdown between two of England's top football clubs, Arsenal and Manchester United. With an electrifying atmosphere and high-stakes action, the match kept fans on the edge of their seats.

Lineups

**Manchester United:** - GK: Roy Carroll - DF: Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand, Wes Brown, John O'Shea - MF: Ole Gunnar Solskjær, Roy Keane, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt - FW: Cristiano Ronaldo, Ruud van Nistelrooy **Arsenal:** - GK: Jens Lehmann - DF: Lauren, Sol Campbell, Kolo Touré, Ashley Cole - MF: Gilberto Silva, Patrick Vieira, Edu - FW: Robert Pires, Dennis Bergkamp, Thierry Henry

Match Stats

- First Half: Arsenal dominated possession and created numerous chances, but United's defense held strong. - Second Half: Manchester United came out revitalized and took the lead in the 55th minute through Cristiano Ronaldo. - Arsenal fought back tenaciously and equalized in the 83rd minute with a goal from Thierry Henry. - The match ended in a 1-1 draw, leading to a penalty shootout.

Penalty Shootout

The penalty shootout proved to be an equally thrilling affair, with both teams exhibiting nerves of steel. Ruud van Nistelrooy missed for Manchester United, while Patrick Vieira converted the decisive penalty for Arsenal, giving them a 3-1 victory.

A Momentous Victory

Arsenal's triumph in the Community Shield marked a significant victory for the club, setting the tone for a successful season ahead. The match also showcased the fierce rivalry between Arsenal and Manchester United, two teams that have consistently fought for domestic supremacy over the years. For fans of both clubs, the 2003 Community Shield remains a cherished memory, emblematic of the passion, drama, and skill that English football has to offer.