Half-time: Chelsea 1 Man City 0

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Fernando Torres’ 40th-minute goal gave Chelsea the lead in the Community Shield encounter at Villa Park – but they were then reduced to 10 men when Branislav Ivanovic was sent off.

Torres got his season off to an encouraging start by coolly firing home after collecting Ramires’ pass.

Two minutes later, defender Ivanovic was red-carded by referee Kevin Friend for a reckless challenge on Aleksandar Kolarov.

Manchester City looked the more dangerous side before Torres’ opener, with Chelsea keeper Petr Cech saving Carlos Tevez’s early free-kick and denying Samir Nasri at close range.

Cech was also able to gather Vincent Kompany’s header from James Milner’s right-wing corner before City striker Sergio Aguero sent an effort wide of the target.

The Blues did then start to threaten, with Frank Lampard shooting straight at keeper Costel Pantilimon, who also kept out Eden Hazard’s 25-yarder but was unable to prevent Torres putting the European champions ahead.

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