Community Shield: Arsenal’s 5 greatest victories at Principality Stadium
By Joel Masibo, August 16, 2026After nearly two decades away, Arsenal are set to make their long-awaited return to the Principality Stadium, where they will face Manchester City in the Community Shield on Sunday, August 16, 2026.
Cardiff has been a memorable destination for the Gunners, particularly during Arsene Wenger’s reign. Arsenal lifted the FA Cup three times at the Welsh venue and also claimed two Community Shield victories there.
As the club prepares to revisit the stadium, here are some of Arsenal’s most memorable successes in Cardiff.
Parlour’s stunning opener
Arsenal 2-0 Chelsea – FA Cup final, May 2002
Arsenal travelled to Cardiff for the 2002 FA Cup final against Chelsea, with the first part of a potential historic double within reach.
The contest remained goalless for much of the afternoon before Ray Parlour broke the deadlock with 20 minutes remaining. The midfielder found space outside the area before unleashing a spectacular strike that flew past Carlo Cudicini and into the top corner.
Freddie Ljungberg added a second goal 10 minutes later with an impressive curling finish to secure the trophy.
Just four days afterwards, Arsenal defeated Manchester United in the league to complete their second domestic double.
Pires against Southampton
Arsenal 1-0 Southampton – FA Cup final, May 2003
Arsenal returned to Cardiff the following year with the intention of retaining the FA Cup, this time against Southampton.
With the roof closed over the stadium, Robert Pires proved decisive by scoring the only goal of the match and giving the Gunners consecutive FA Cup triumphs.
The final also marked the end of David Seaman’s illustrious Arsenal career. The goalkeeper brought his 13-year spell with the club to a close after making a lasting contribution to the north London side.
Lehmann and Vieira Decide a penalty shootout
Arsenal 0-0 Manchester United, Arsenal win 5-4 on penalties – FA Cup final, May 2005
After failing to retain the FA Cup in 2004, Arsenal were back in Cardiff a year later to face defending champions Manchester United.
The Gunners endured sustained pressure from United but remained resolute throughout normal time. The match went into extra time, although Arsenal were reduced to 10 men after Jose Antonio Reyes received a second yellow card.
Neither side could find a winner, sending the final to a penalty shootout. Jens Lehmann made the crucial intervention by stopping Paul Scholes’ effort, leaving Patrick Vieira with the opportunity to score the decisive penalty and secure another FA Cup for Arsenal.
Reyes stars against Manchester United
Arsenal 3-1 Manchester United – Community Shield, August 2004
Following the remarkable Invincibles season, Arsenal began the next campaign against Manchester United in the Community Shield in Cardiff.
Gilberto Silva, who had previously scored the winner in the 2002 edition of the competition, put Arsenal ahead. Alan Smith subsequently levelled the contest for Sir Alex Ferguson’s team.
Jose Antonio Reyes then took control of the match, producing an outstanding display and restoring Arsenal’s advantage with a well-taken goal.
The Gunners went on to make it 3-1 when Ashley Cole’s pass was deflected into his own goal by Mikael Silvestre, giving Arsenal a winning start to the new campaign.
Van Persie shines in the semi-final
Arsenal 3-0 Blackburn Rovers – FA Cup semi-final, April 2005
The 2005 FA Cup semi-finals were staged at the Principality Stadium, making it the only occasion the venue hosted a semi-final in the competition.
Arsenal faced Blackburn Rovers with a place in the final at stake and took the lead shortly before the interval. Kolo Toure played an important role in the build-up before Pires finished the move to put Arsenal in front.
Robin van Persie then took centre stage. The Dutch forward scored an excellent individual goal before adding another with a curling effort that beat Brad Friedel.
The 3-0 victory booked Arsenal’s place in the final, where they would once again meet Manchester United.