For the FA Community Sheild match Rafa Benitez fielded a Liverpool side with out captain Steven Gerrard, to face a Chelsea starting eleven that included both Shevchenko and Ballack who both joined the club this summer.

Liverpool found themselves in the lead when John Arne Riise dribbled the ball unchallenged the full length of the pitch after a Chelsea corner, and struck a trademark left foot shot from well outside the box.

Chelsea have doubts about the fitness of Ballack who pulled up during the first half with what looked like a hip injury. Chelsea drew level just before half time when Shevchenko sprung the Liverpool off-side trap and coolly slotted home his first goal for the club.

The Reds went in front again when Craig Bellamy broke down the left flank and floated a cross into the box for his new strike partner Peter Crouch to head past a stranded Carlo Cudicini.