The Rise of Premiership Teams in the Champions League
Since Chelsea’s famous Champions League win over Bayern Munich in 2012, all our beloved Premier League sides have been lacking the competitive edge to win Europe’s top football competition. While Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich have all gone on to win the coveted the Champions League trophy, their English counterparts have not amounted to much. In fact, in the last four years, just two teams have reached the semi-finals.
It is safe to say that it has been a dry period for Premiership teams, but all of that could be changing. Recently, there has been a renewed sense of purpose and enthusiasm for the Premiership teams. Currently, Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City all top their respective groups in the Champions League. Tottenham is also up there, sharing the Group H top spot with Real Madrid. Between the five English teams, not a single game has been lost.
With a total of 11 wins, 4 draws and 44 goals, they are certainly on their way to a better start than last year. At the same stage in 2016, Tottenham were just about out for the count and Manchester City received a thorough thrashing at the hands of Barcelona. What we are seeing today is the possibility of having five Premier League teams in the knockout stages of the Champions League for the first time ever.
Coaches Providing Possibility of Change
If we take a look at the stats, the Premier League’s top four sides have conceded far fewer goals after 10 games than what was usually conceded in the first five games before the 2017 season. According to leading football experts, it is all down to the coaches. With Jose Mourinho, Pep Guardiolo and Mauricio Pochettino providing some much-needed stability, Premiership sides are raising game with advanced defensive tactics and team cohesion.
We are now seeing the effects of coaching stability becoming more effective in the Champions League. As it stands, English clubs holds a defensive recorded with an average of just 0.7 goals conceded per game so far. A good example of the new might of the English was seen when Chelsea came from behind to defeat Atletico Madrid 2-1 at Wanda Metropolitano stadium. While a comeback against Diego Simeone’s team was previously unheard of from any Premier League side, Conte’s men were more than up to the task this time around. With plenty of action still to come, we could be seeing top-four finish for English this year.
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