The Premier League team’s failure to win in the Round of 16 first leg of the Champions League last week has put the spotlight on world football’s so-called best division.
The strength of the Premier League is under scrutiny (Image: Rene Nijhuis/MB Media/Getty Images)
It’s no surprise that English clubs are still flying the flag in European competitions. But last week should serve as a much-needed wake-up call for the Premier League ahead of the return fixture.
Arsenal and Newcastle were the only teams to take something back from their Champions League encounters with Bayer Leverkusen and Barcelona respectively, with 1-1 draws. Manchester City, Tottenham, Liverpool and Chelsea all lost, while Aston Villa were the only English team to win in Europe last week, winning a Europa League draw at Lille.
However, the reason why English clubs are currently ahead of Spain and Germany in the coefficient rankings is because they have six teams in the Champions League (more than any other team) and can earn two points for a win, one point for a draw and a bonus point for a knockout.
Even if the Premier League were to suffer a disaster and everyone was eliminated, which is statistically unlikely, they would still be well placed to earn an extra fifth spot in the Champions League. But the more important point here is why English clubs failed last week. And indeed, it is clear. They are completely exhausted.
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read more: Reece James suffers another injury as World Cup dreams hang in the balanceread more: Mikel Arteta receives a timely boost after having two Arsenal stars sent off against Bayer Leverkusen
You can make the stats show anything you like, like sprint, strength, power, etc., but sometimes you need to use your eyes. Arsenal were at a disadvantage against Leverkusen and escaped with a one-point difference. Liverpool were so sloppy against Galatasaray that it could have been much worse.
Almost every year, the French league gives clubs a weekend off in preparation for big matches in Europe. Can you imagine it here? Of course not. Winter break was a good idea, but it quickly disappeared. Two domestic cup matches. The intensity of the Premier League is very tough. That put a huge burden on the players.
And it shows. England’s players are gearing up for a major tournament. Chelsea players have been sending out non-stop calendars since the Club World Cup. Perhaps the only way we’ll really listen is if something even worse happens and all six are ejected.
That would be a nightmare scenario. If that happens, the argument that the Premier League is the best in the world will be invalidated. I think English football is the most exciting, intense and dramatic. Is it the best? There’s sure to be more to be said this week.
Which England team will pass? Let us know your predictions in the comments section.
It was a bad week for English clubs last time out (Image: Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Almost every year, the French league gives clubs a weekend off in preparation for big matches in Europe. Can you imagine it here? Of course not. Winter break was a good idea, but it quickly disappeared. Two domestic cup matches. The intensity of the Premier League is very tough. That put a huge burden on the players.
And it shows. England’s players are gearing up for a major tournament. Chelsea players have been sending out non-stop calendars since the Club World Cup. Perhaps the only way we’ll really listen is if something even worse happens and all six are ejected.
That would be a nightmare scenario. If that happens, the argument that the Premier League is the best in the world will be invalidated. I think English football is the most exciting, intense and dramatic. Is it the best? There’s sure to be more to be said this week.
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