Cardiff, August 7:

Didier Drogba scored twice to lead Premier League champion Chelsea to a 2-1 win over Arsenal in the Community Shield, the traditional season opener for English soccer’s top clubs. Drogba scored a goal in each half at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, before Cesc Fabregas got a goal back for Arsenal. In contrast to the often sedate nature of the annual match between England’s champion and FA Cup holder, both teams played attacking soccer.

Drogba opened the scoring after seven minutes, he hooked the ball at close range past Toure and goalkeeper Jens Lehmann. Drogba scored again in the 57th minute. Drogba beat Philippe Senderos, went past Lehmann, pushed Lauren away, then turned to shoot into the roof of the net. Eight minutes later, Arsenal scored through Fabregas, the 18-year midfielder of whom much is expected after the departure of captain Patrick Vieira.