CARDIFF, Aug 7 (SW) - Chelsea have opened their season with a 2-1 win over London rivals Arsenal to clinch their third ever Community Shield victory at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.

Only eight minutes had been played when Côte d'Ivoire striker Didier Drogba opened the score for the Blues, who received the ball on the edge of the penalty area, got past Philippe Senderos and struck the ball past goalkeeper Jens Lehmann.

Drogba was also responsible for the second goal in the 57th minute. The forward collected a through ball from Frank Lampard and managed to stay on his feet despite Lauren's effort, after which he directed the ball into the left corner to double his side's lead.

Poor defending from Chelsea allowed Arsenal to score one back seven minutes later. A low cross from Freddie Ljungberg went through Chelsea's defense and allowed the young Spaniard Francesc Fabregas to hit the net for 2-1.

But during the remainder of the match, Chelsea managed to hold on to their lead, winning their third Community - or Charity - Shield in five finals. In 1955, Newcastle United were defeated 3-0, and Manchester United were beaten 2-0 in 2000.