The Champions League returned earlier this week and the four English sides participating in the group stage of the competition- defending champions Man City, Arsenal, Manchester United and Newcastle, had mixed fortunes.
Here is a look at how they fared in Week 1 of the competition. City and Arsenal had home advantage against Red Star and PSV respectively while United were on the road at Bayern and Newcastle at the San Siro against Milan.
The wins- City & Arsenal
Not surprisingly, the two sides that had home advantage were the ones to win their respective clashes. City absolutely dominated Red Star Belgrade, but to the shock of one and all present, were trailing 1-0 at the interval. The goal- Red Star’s first attempt in the game, was originally ruled offside, but was given after VAR took a second look at it.
Just as they did over the weekend against West Ham, City responded to trailing at half time with a goal immediately after the interval. Julian Alvarez was the scorer and the Argentine then doubled City’s advantage on the hour mark when Red Star keeper Omri made a mess of claiming his free kick. City put the result of the game beyond doubt when Rodri’s precise shot found the bottom corner on 74 minutes.
Arsenal were returning to the Champions League after a gap of six years (the first time after the Wenger era), and did so in style as they dispatched PSV Eindhoven 4-0 at the Emirates. Bukayo Saka set them on their way in the 8th minute after PSV goalie Benitez had spilt Martin Odegaard’s first time effort.
Fine finishes from Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus saw Mikel Arteta’s men go 3-0 up at the interval and Odegaard added another after the interval to put the icing on the cake. The Gunners have a big game coming up this weekend- the NLD against bitter rivals Spurs, and it’s also a clash between two sides who have not been beaten in the league so far.
Newcastle draw at the San Siro
Like Arsenal, the Magpies were returning to Europe’s premier club competition after a long gap (20 odd years to be precise). Placed in the Group of Death, they managed to come away with a 0-0 draw from the San Siro against Milan. The Rossoneri were left wondering how they didn’t score, but it was a very encouraging result for Eddie Howe’s side.
United go down at Bayern
This one produced seven goals but wasn’t exactly a classic. Bayern got the win, as many expected to, but on the evidence of this performance, aren’t really going to trouble the likes of City and Real in the knockout stages. September has been a month to forget for Ten Hag and United so far (P3 L3), & they will be seeking to halt their run of defeats when they meet Burnley in Week 6.