Leicester City wins 2021 Community Shield trophy after defeating Manchester City 1-0 at Wembley

2020-21 FA Cup winners Leicester City starts their new football season with another title win. The Foxes edges premier league champions Manchester City 1-0 to win 2021 Community Shield crown.

This will be second Community Shield championship in Leicester City history.

For Leicester’s first fixture of the new season, manager Brendan Rodgers made one change to his starting XI following Wednesday’s friendly win over Villarreal, as Daniel Amartey replaced the injured Wesley Fofana – supported by his team-mates with his signature broken heart emblem on their warm-up t-shirts.

Manchester City’s new No. 10 Jack Grealish made his debut, coming off the bench to thunderous applause from the City faithful with 25 minutes to play.

There was also a first senior bow for 18-year-old winger Sam Edozie who, after a standout pre-season, again impressed on the left flank.

Both teams were able to create so many chances through out the game, but it was Kelechi Iheanacho’s penalty in the 89th minute proved decisive.

A defensive mix up with only three minutes of normal time remaining handed City the opportunity to win the match, as Aké tripped substitute Iheanacho in the box and Rodgers’ side were awarded a penalty. It was, indeed, the Nigeria frontman who would take the spot-kick, dispatching it into the corner to hand his side a late lead.

There was still time for Amartey to put in a last-ditch challenge on Grealish, however the Foxes’ compact defence and midfield were able to deal with the opposition advances and the first piece of 2021/22 silverware went back to King Power Stadium. 

Post-Match Reaction :

Brendan Rodgers, Leicester City Manager :

“It was a really good game,” the Northern Irishman told LCFC TV at full-time in the capital. “Obviously, both teams are here on merit after winning their competitions. It was a really good game. I was pleased with the fitness level of the team.

“It’s a great stadium to come and play in, but it can tire your legs out, especially when there’s something to play for, but the players were superb. The spirit was really good and some of the quality of the football was excellent at times.

“It’s very important [to win]. I grew up watching the Charity Shield. It’s the winners of the league and the cup, so to come here, it’s another step for the mentality of the team and we’re delighted with the victory.”