EPL Crystal Ball – After the European Champion Clubs’ Cup – or European Cup, as it was commonly called – was renamed and restructured into the UEFA Champions’ League in 1992/93, the English teams didn’t manage to stamp their authority on the competition initially. Manchester United failed to translate their local dominance on the European stage, and while they managed to penetrate into the later rounds – 1997’s semifinal tie with Borussia Dortmund being their best shot – a veritable tilt at the title was missing. 1999 threatened to alter the European status quo as United wove together a miraculous run in their treble winning campaign that culminated in that historic night at Nou Camp. Even so, the following years again saw United being dumped out in the quarter finals.
Arsenal had become a veritable force domestically around the turn of the millennium, but their performances in Europe were run of the mill at best. Both Sir Alex and Wenger had synthesised a high-tempo free flowing brand of football in their sides that was nullified by the European teams through their controlled diplomacy of tactics. European sides had poise, were imbued with tactical nous and had flexibility. English teams, on the other hand, were single-paced and one-dimensional, owing mostly to both Wenger and Sir Alex not needing wide-ranging brands of football to conquer domestic silverware.
Hence teams clocking 100 goals or going an entire season unbeaten in the EPL were being knocked out by less fancied sides as Porto and Monaco contested Champions League finals. While Leeds in 2001 and United in 2002 conjured up semifinal berths, none of the English sides flaunted genuine Champions’ league winning credentials, despite the British press characteristically waxing lyrical. However, the arrival of two European master tacticians changed all that in the mid 2000s.
Mourinho’s staggering Champions League triumph with Porto in 2004 ensured that Roman Abramovich hankered after the Portuguese’s signature and gave him a blank cheque to aid his surge on silverware. While Mourinho was being unveiled at Stamford Bridge, Anfield welcomed a managerial change of their own as Rafael Benitez – who had won two La Liga titles and a UEFA Cup in his three years with Valencia – replaced Gerrard Houllier. Mourinho revolutionised the English game and vanquished domestic accolades with back-to-back league titles, a Carling Cup and an F.A Cup during 2004-2007. Although Benitez struggled domestically, his Istanbul miracle was a major European convulsion. Two English sides in the last four was a major anomaly in 2005’s Champions League as Liverpool edged out Chelsea courtesy Luis Garcia’s “ghost goal” that led to the epic “the best team lost” Mourinho assertion.
Liverpool’s triumph and Chelsea’s exploits in 2005 signalled the advent of a new dawn, as the two sides went on to be the vanguards of English upsurge in Europe. Liverpool reached two finals in three years and Chelsea reached at least the semis in five of the six years between 2004 and 2009. Following suit, Arsenal also managed to revamp their game in Europe and a strong defensive show throughout the 2006 campaign saw them reach the final. There was a clear difference in Wenger’s approach towards Champions League games, as he took a leaf out of Chelsea and Liverpool’s tactics in Europe and brought about solidity and poise in Arsenal that saw his side put together the most lucrative run in their history. 2007 onwards Manchester United’s dominance escalated in Europe that has seen them reach three finals in four years. Again, this was a corollary of Sir Alex modifying his approach in Europe after being on the receiving end of a humiliating first round exit in 2005-2006. The Scott amalgamated the rich array of flair in his side with judicious conformism as United soared to being the top ranked club in Europe. 2005-2011 has been an era of English dominance, with two winners and 7 of the 14 finalists coming from England.
Nevertheless, it seems as if English football has completed a full circle in the top European league as the big guns are faltering in the group stages this year. EPL’s all-conquering Manchester City are on the brink of elimination after losing out to Napoli, United have been lackluster and now need a result away to a side that was moments away from embarrassing them at Old Trafford and Chelsea need to outdo a resurgent Valencia side in their final match to progress. Meanwhile Arsenal, habitually the biggest underachievers in Europe, are setting the bar for their English counterparts in the second toughest pool this year. In a massive turnaround, Arsenal are the only English club to have qualified for the last 16, and are likely to be the only English side to qualify as group winners – if not the only one to qualify at all.
City’s predicament owes a lot to their inability to change gears in different competitions, United have suffered due to Sir Alex’s bizarre squad rotation and Chelsea’s defensive woes are hindering their progress on all fronts. Granted City were drawn in the toughest pool but had they replicated half of their league form in Europe they would never have found themselves in the current hole. Sir Alex has overestimated his squad strength and despite the howler against Basel, he persisted with his tinkering. Now he could, at best, hope for a second place finish which would mean that they could end up facing Real or Barca in the next round. However, getting a draw away to Basel will be an arduous task. Chelsea, meanwhile, need to bring stability in their defense and maybe their fullbacks need to control their marauding instincts.
English teams look to be declining and regardless of the English trio filtering through or not, it is difficult to see them progressing much further. Although of course, as things stand Arsenal might have a say in that.
Big Match Preview:
Liverpool vs Man City
Gerrard is the only major injury concern in either squad, as Liverpool look to halt the City locomotive. Last Sunday’s victory at Stamford Bridge looks to have rejuvenated Liverpool who needed an injection of inspiration to relocate their path towards the elusive fourth spot. City face a tough task in bouncing back from their midweek disappointment, as they look to be down and out in the Champions League – which could be a major setback for the club. City’s midweek exertions mean that they’d be tired, while Liverpool would have had a week long rest. The contrast in mood and physical condition might be reflected in the final score line.
The midfield battle will be intriguing and whoever among Charlie Adam and David Silva manages to orchestrate matters will provide his side the impetus. The fixture would boast two of the finest strikers in the league in Suarez and Aguero and hence, both central defenses have their work cut out. Anfield’s intimidating atmosphere and Liverpool’s 12th man should see them through.