Premier League sides impress in Europe

6. Chelsea (lost 2-1 at Atalanta)

What on earth has happened to Chelsea these past few weeks? I feel like I gave them the kiss of death with a recent glowing article. They have capitulated since that rousing 3-0 home win over Barcelona, failing to win in their last four outings in all competitions. It’s almost as if Maresca’s side got caught up in all the hype. Things started well for Chelsea in their trip to Atalanta, with Joao Pedro converting a pass from Reece James to make it 1-0 in the 25th minute. They lacked their usual midfield authority but still went into the break 1-0 up. Maresca made some weird tactical shifts in the 2nd half, bringing off an unusually low-key Fernandz for Gusto (meaning they had two fullbacks- Gusto and James- operating in midfield). Fofana- who came on for Chalobah- was forced off with an unfortunate eye injury. Chelsea lost their tempo, and goals from Scamacca (forever blowing bubbles) and Ketelaere gave Atalanta the win. The result saw Chelsea crash out of the automatic qualifying spots.

5. Newcastle United (drew 2-2 at Bayer Leverkusen)

On the face of it, picking up a point at the BayArena isn’t the worst result in the world. But it was the manner of the point. How many times are Newcastle going to be caught with their pants down in the closing moments of matches? Given Leverkusen’s’ propensity for late drama and Newcastle’s tendency to concede late goals- this result was expected. Leverkusen took the lead in the match, with a Robert Andrich back-post header deflecting off Guimaraes into the back of the net. Leverkusen took a leaf out of Newcastle’s festive playbook and returned their generosity, with keeper Flekken dawdling on the ball, allowing Woltemade to nick possession and earn a spot-kick. Gordon duly converted from the spot, keeping his impressive Champions League scoring record alive. Newcastle thought they had stolen all three points in the 74th minute, with Gordon’s cross headed home by Lewis Miley. But Leverkusen did what they do best, with Grimaldo latching onto a Maza ball to equalize in the 88th minute. That is now the 9th time this season that the Magpies have conceded a goal in the last ten minutes of a match! That’s the stuff of receding hairlines.

4. Spurs (win 3-0 at home to Slavia Prague)

Spurs had to win this game and they did, easing past Slavia Prague 3-0 to maintain their chances of automatic qualification. Spurs took the lead in the 26th minute, with Romero flicking on Pedro Porro’s corner before David Lima headed the ball into his own net. The fortunate goal marked Spurs’ 100th strike in Champions League football. Spurs controlled the game and scored two penalties in the 2nd half, with Kudus and Simmons converting their respective spot-kicks. After his brilliant performance against Brentford, it’s great to see the ultra-talented Simmons exerting such an influence on this Spurs side (they just look better when he is in full flow). Micky van den Ven spoilt an otherwise stellar night for Spurs, stupidly flicking an elbow out in the 2nd half to ensure he will be suspended for the potential crunch meeting with Borussia Dortmund.

3. Liverpool (win 1-0 at Inter)

Arne Slot’s Reds picked up a massive result at the San Siro, grinding out a 1-0 win that leaves them with 12 points after six Champions League matches. It was a welcome result for a side struggling with the fallout of Salah’s recent bombshell interview and poor domestic form. Liverpool looked strong in the midfield areas, with Szoboszlai and Gravenberch dominating the tempo of the match. Hungarian Szobozlai was easily Liverpool’s standout player, combining excellent pressing and defensive output with dynamism going forward (he would convert Liverpool’s late spot-kick). This was a much-needed result that alleviated a bit of pressure from Slot.

2. Arsenal (win 3-0 at Club Brugge)

I know that Arsenal were expected to win easily at Club Brugge. But there was something really assured about their 3-0 win at Brugge (especially in the light of the players who were missing). Arteta was able to make a series of changes but still got the result he needed, maintaining Arsenal’s flawless European record. In fact, the Gunners are virtually assured automatic qualification for the knockout phases and can probably afford to rest a few players from here on in. Former Chelsea winger Noni Madueke was the star of the show, opening the scoring midway through the first half with a stunning long-range drive. He nabbed a 2nd shortly after the break before Gabby Martinelli added some polish to proceedings, curling in a beautiful shot to make it 3-0. The result was the ideal tonic for Arteta after a series of underwhelming domestic outings.

1. Manchester City (won 2-1 at Real Madrid)

Pep Guardiola heaped more pressure on Xabi Alonso with a hard-fought 2-1 win at the Bernabeu. These two clubs have become familiar foes in European competition, and you could feel the bitter rivalry in the air. Los Blancos started much the better side, with Vini Jr and Rodrygo skinning their fullbacks at leisure in the opening 30 minutes (Mbappe was an unused sub due to injury). It was the discarded Rodrygo who drew first blood, rasping a low shot into the net after City left acres of space at the back. Honestly, it looked like it could be a humbling night for the Citizens. But City regathered momentum, with Nico O’Reily left with a simple finish after some ineffectual keeping from Courtois. The comeback was completed before the halftime break, with Haaland converting the penalty he won after being fouled by Rudiger. City controlled the tempo of the 2nd half and ended the match with more possession than their illustrious opponents. This was a seismic result for a City side that is starting to purr. Cherki was once again magnificent while O’Reily continues to impress.