The traditional curtain-raiser to the Premier League season is coming up, and this year it promises to be a mouth-watering match-up between two of England’s top sides. Arsenal and Manchester City go head to head on 10th August at the magnificent Wembley Stadium, and there are a number of reasons to expect this game to be a good one, including the fact that both sides, and both managers, prefer attack to defence.
After an enthralling Premier League campaign last season, Manchester City proved too strong for everyone else in the end. There were times when Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea were all in the driver’s seat, but in truth they were only keeping it warm for big-spending City to take over when the campaign started to approach a fascinating denouement. There is every chance the same scenario could occur again by the time May 2015 comes around.
Both Arsenal and Manchester City have added players to their squads over the summer, so this fascinating match could represent an early opportunity to see how the new boys are settling in. The Community Shield has been something of an uninteresting affair at times, but this season it has a greater sense of anticipation than on many previous occasions.
The Teams
Manchester City’s squad seems to be about as strong as you can get, yet the club are still apparently in the market for more superstars. The likes of Sergio Aguero, David Silva, Vincent Kompany and the brilliant Yaya Toure will be looking to get the season off to a great start at Wembley. New addition Bacary Sagna might have extra motivation, having joined the club recently after a long and successful spell in the Arsenal defence. Another new signing, Brazilian midfielder Fernando, may well feature at some point.
If Arsenal hadn’t imploded in key matches last season, they may well have won the Premier League. The game is about more than if and maybe, however, so fourth place was what they got and what they deserved. A thrilling 3-2 win over Hull City in the FA Cup Final provided the cherry to go on top of their cake, though, and there are many in the game who feel Arsenal will be title contenders this time around. The addition of the excellent Alexis Sanchez has given Gooners everywhere a chance to dream of bigger things.
The Venue – Wembley Stadium
After the demolition of the old stadium and the creation of the new, it took a little while for Wembley to regain its former glamour. The metamorphosis appears to have been completed now, however, and this wonderful citadel of football maintains an air of spectacular elegance for any match, including the Community Shield. If you are fortunate enough to be visiting for the first time, make sure you’re ready for your jaw to drop the moment you set eyes on the place.
Getting There
Public transport
The good news for all spectators is that the local transport network is an excellent one. Whether you are making the short hop from Islington or the long trek from Manchester, the chances are you will use the London Underground at some point during your journey. Wembley Park is on both the Metropolitan and Jubilee lines, and on match days there are usually plenty of trains waiting to ferry passengers in and out. Several bus routes also pass the stadium, including the 18, 83, 92 and 224.
Car
For the majority of spectators, trains, buses and tubes will be sufficient, but there will be some who choose to drive. It is worth noting that the area can become congested on match days, and that parking in the local streets is severely limited. If you wish to use your car, it is a good idea to enquire about pre-booked parking spaces well ahead of match day.
Accommodation
London is home to every type of accommodation you can imagine, from small, family-run guesthouses to major international hotels from the world’s largest and most celebrated chains. The Holiday Inn London Brent Cross (NW2 1LP) is a good choice for fans, because it is just a short taxi ride away from the stadium. Another good option is at Holiday Inn London Regents Park (W1W 5EE), which is also pleasingly close to many of the capital’s major landmarks.
The Holiday Inn London Mayfair (W1J 8NE) is located in one of the city’s most fashionable areas, and is perfect for history buffs as well as lovers of retail therapy. And for a more bohemian feel, try the Holiday Inn London Bloomsbury (WC1N 1HT), which is to be found in the heart of the capital’s literary quarter. Whichever option you select, Wembley won’t be far away by taxi or tube.
What Else To See?
London offers visitors so many things to see and do, from iconic buildings cloaked in history to modern landmarks which have to be seen to be believed. The iconic O2 Arena is a must-see, especially if you combine your visit with a ride across the Thames on the Emirates Air Line cable car at the nearby Greenwich Peninsula Terminal.
Shopping in London is a wonderfully pleasurable experience, thanks to the presence of some of Europe’s most fashionable stores. Everything from low cost electrical goods to high end fashion statements can be found in and around Regent Street, Oxford Street and Knightsbridge.
Some of London’s bridges are as iconic and as famous as the city itself, so be sure to pay a visit. A wander across the river on Tower Bridge gives you a golden opportunity to get up close and personal with the Thames, and to see the spectacular Tower of London. The Millennium Bridge is a pedestrian-only crossing close to the Globe Theatre and St Paul’s Cathedral.
For something a little more football-related but a lot less tourist-centric, take a gentle stroll across Putney Bridge in south-west London and through the beautiful Bishop’s Park. This takes you to Craven Cottage, home of Fulham FC and one of the prettiest stadiums in the country.
The 2014 Community Shield will start the ball rolling for what could be the most fascinating Premier League season yet. Will Manchester City’s millions help them to grab the first trophy of the campaign? Will Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal take another step back to their glory days by winning this intriguing game? Only time will tell, of course, but even the most cynical of supporters will admit that the coming ten months promise plenty of enjoyment, entertainment and excitement.
Enjoy!
