Liverpool put Europe on alert, Eden Hazard unable to fulfil his potential at Chelsea and only ten English players in the starting line-up for five English teams… this week’s Champions League round-up
JOB very much done.
All five English clubs have made it through to the last-16 of the Champions League and it’s the first time that one country has ever done that.
Well done to all concerned.
Take the rest of the day off.
REDS ALERT
“How did that happen?”
That was the reaction of manager Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool steamrollered Spartak Moscow at Anfield last night to win their group and book their place in the last-16.
Their latest rout took their goal tally in the Champions League this season to 21 and that’s the most by an English side in a single group stage campaign ever.
It also makes it 43 goals in their last 11 games in all competitions too.
And despite all the criticism of that defence, they’ve only conceded seven goals across those games.
Make no mistake, nobody will want to play them in the next round.
HAZARD WARNING
Today is the day when we learn who has won the Ballon d’Or.
Inevitably, it will be Ronaldo or Lionel Messi yet again but why is there barely a mention for Eden Hazard?
The Belgian has been exceptional for Chelsea this year and starred again on Tuesday night in the Blues’ 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid, dribbling the visitors to distraction.
AU'S THAT? Inside the extravagant world of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang… set to bring his talent, and ‘Batmobile’, to Chelsea
The issue now, though, is whether Chelsea can take him to a level where he can genuinely challenge for the Ballon d’Or.
He has all the ability to do it. I’m just not sure he can really fulfil his true potential at Stamford Bridge.
MORE FOOTBALL FEATURES
CITY END OF THE STICK
Manchester City’s defeat to Shakhtar Donetsk – their first in 29 games – won’t have caused too much consternation back at the Etihad.
The Citizens had already wrapped up their group so manager Pep Guardiola took the opportunity to blood the likes of Tosin Adarabioyo, Phil Foden and Brahim Diaz.
And before Manchester United fans get any ideas about a City slump ahead of the derby game this weekend, just remember that their starting line-up against Shakhtar had three or maybe four first choice players in it.
It’ll be a different story come Sunday.
SHAW THING
Reports of Luke Shaw’s demise have been greatly exaggerated it seems.
The one-time England full-back got his first start in seven months on Tuesday, suggesting that his days at Man United might not be numbered after all.
His problem, however, is who’s ahead of him and who might be coming in.
With Ashley Young cementing his position as Mourinho’s first choice left-back and rumours swirling of a big move for Spurs’ Danny Rose in the forthcoming transfer window, there may be little or no opportunity for the former Southampton defender to shine.
That’s a shame because there’s still a hell of player in there.
MOST READ IN FOOTBALL
NATIONAL PRIDE?
Football fans celebrated the fact that all five English teams had made it through to the last-16 of the Champions League.
But it’s worth pointing out that there were just ten Englishmen in the starting line-ups for Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester City.
...Or, to put it another way, not even enough to put out a full side.
And of those ten, it's hard to suggest that even half would make the England starting XI.
Those home-grown stars on display were Joe Gomez, Phil Foden, Luke Shaw, Gary Cahill, Tosin Adarabioyo, Danny Rose, Harry Winks, Dele Alli, Marcus Rashford and Chris Smalling.
Some big-name English players were rested of course, with the likes of Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling sitting out... but either way, it's the same old worry.