13 August 2006

There's no better way to start a season than with a new piece of silverware – and Liverpool did just that at what had become their second home, the Millennium Stadium.

With new boys Craig Bellamy, Jermaine Pennant and Fabio Aurelio all on show, an air of optimism swelled the ranks of the travelling Kop as the sun shone over south Wales.

Their mood appeared justified after just nine minutes when John Arne Riise opened the scores with stunning solo strike.

The much-maligned Andriy Shevchenko evened things up on the stroke of half-time but the early season bragging rights were secured when Peter Crouch nodded past Carlo Cudicini at the far post late on.

Not that either goalscorer did enough to scoop man of the match. That accolade went to the supreme Momo Sissoko, who ran the midfield in one of his best displays in a red shirt.

Liverpool's 10^th outright Community Shield was made even sweeter after Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho's pre-match contention that the Merseysiders were not serious title contenders.

Fate would have it that the 'special one' was proved right, but not before another Champions League semi-final exit at Anfield.