I said months ago English teams don't stand a chance in Europe this season. I know its only been one night so far but you can see how far behind we are. City are top of the league but could only score an own goal at home, albeit against last season's finalist. Hopefully we can actually win back some dignity for the PL tomorrow but boy, it's looking grim for English clubs.
On the plus side, 4th place will no longer be an achievement with the EPL's co-efficient inevitably getting lower. That will force Arsenal to actually aim higher.
English teams flop in Europe again. Amazing really, the richer our clubs have got, the poorer they have become in terms of actual quality on the pitch. PSV looked impressive enough, and this was a club that lost two of their best players in the summer (both joining English club).
Two goals scored by two forwards linked to us over the years. Clinical forwards who just buried the few chances they got. Almost the opposite of our forwards.
That's the difference. Other clubs in Europe spend money on building TEAMS. In the EPL, it's all about buying stars. Bony and Sterling were poor. Man Utd were unlucky with the injury but from what I heard, spurned many chances. Poor showing tonight.
I remember how badly I wanted Morata when the rumours were strong in January a few seasons back. We apparently were going to get him on loan with the option to buy. True or not, I was hoping it was the former. Everyone could see his potential but he wasn't going to displace golden boy Benzema at Real. Oh well, at least we've got Walcott upfront.
We must win this game tonight. I think we will be up for it but Zagreb are no mugs. Can't believe how badly the Manchester teams flopped!
I would say the big difference between Juve and City last night was tactical. City have plenty of quality but Juve were soo organised and well drilled. City looked pretty naeve in comparison. Pelligrini actually has am awful record in Europe.
Most English teams play with naivety in Europe. The CL is about playing chess whilst the PL is all about checkers. Playing with nuance is what's missing. Arsenal have done it time and time again. We come so close yet so far. Last season, letting in that goal against Monaco at home in the last minute was naive. The season before, letting Özil take and miss that penalty against Bayern at home was extremely naive and changed the whole complexion. The list goes on.
Soooooooooooo the mighty Hammer's undo Man City... 3 big away scalps now, makes our opening day defeat not look so bad now!
Apparently they are the first team to beat Arsenal,Liverpool & Chelsea at home in one season during the Premier League era
