Arsenal edged out Chelsea 1-0 at Wembley Stadium to win the Community Shield for a second season in succession.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's first-half strike proved enough for the Gunners to overcome their London rivals.
Chelsea improved in the final 30 minutes after a sluggish opening hour, but they could not muster any real clear-cut chances to see the contest pass them by.
Relive Sports Mole's live text coverage of the English football season curtain-raiser below.
Making the way to Wembley for today's game... #CFC https://t.co/f2F4Msj4fk
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 2, 2015
© Getty Images
© Getty Images
The Blues have arrived at Wembley... #CommunityShield pic.twitter.com/Kw7NOhRDYX
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 2, 2015
STARTING XI: Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta; Matic, Fabregas; Ramires, Willian, Hazard; Remy
SUBS: Begovic, Zouma, Mikel, Oscar, Cuadrado, Moses, Falcao
STARTING XI: Cech; Bellerin, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal; Coquelin, Cazorla; Ramsey, Ozil, Oxlade-Chamberlain; Walcott
SUBS: Debuchy, Gibbs, Gabriel, Arteta, Giroud, Martinez, Iwobi
Here's the official teamsheet for today's FA #CommunityShield clash between @Arsenal and @ChelseaFC pic.twitter.com/PZwMVchKuX
— The FA (@FA) August 2, 2015
Jose Mourinho on Costa injury: "I don't know if Diego Costa will be available for the start of the season. He had a little problem after the Barcelona game. After that he was training normally and we thought he would be ready, but this morning he was feeling uncomfortable."
Arsene Wenger on squad selection: "I have difficult decisions to make, but my job is to select and make decisions, even if they are tough."
.@Arsenal have finished their warm-up and we are now just 10 minutes away from kick-off at Wembley #AFCvCFC... pic.twitter.com/ZwbLd7Hr5g
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) August 2, 2015
506 - Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's goal was Arsenal's first against Chelsea in 506 minutes of action. Relief.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 2, 2015
© Getty Images
BENCH WATCH!
ARSENAL SUBS: Debuchy, Gibbs, Gabriel, Arteta, Giroud, Martinez, Iwobi
CHELSEA SUBS: Begovic, Zouma, Mikel, Oscar, Cuadrado, Moses, Falcao
3 - The last three meetings between Arsenal and Chelsea at a neutral venue have all ended in 2-1 wins for the Blues. Pattern.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 2, 2015