It was another enthralling round of Champions League action, with three of the four English clubs taking all three points from their games. We are halfway through the group stages, and there is a much clearer idea of who will be progressing to the knock-out stages.
Here are five big talking points from the midweek action…
Jesus shines as Arsenal win in Spain and forget Lens pain
Arsenal’s away defeat in Lens cast doubt on their Champions League credentials after a perfect start to the group against PSV. Mikel Arteta’s men picked themselves off the canvas and travelled to Sevilla, a tricky fixture in group B. After a cagey first half, a moment of brilliance from Gabriel Jesus gave Arsenal some space to counter. His clever turn and pass let through Gabriel Martinelli who rounded the keeper and gave Arsenal the lead just before the break.
Jesus was a shining light in Arsenal’s crucial win, he cut inside and whipped a beautiful effort into thje top corner to double the lead. The Premier League side had to face a storm as Sevilla headed in a goal back, but Declan Rice was outstanding in the final stages as Arsenal held on for a second Champions League victory.
Arsenal are top of the group with a four point lead over third place. They are in a healthy position to qualify for the knockouts and face Sevilla again at the Emirates in two weeks’ time.
Haaland back in form for Manchester derby
Embed from Getty ImagesThe goals had dried up slightly for Manchester City’s Erling Haaland in October, but the Norwegian scored a morale boosting goal against Brighton at the weekend and followed it up with a brace in the Champions League. Pep Guardiola’s side made it three wins from three in their group with a 3-1 victory over Young Boys, and the holders look on course to qualify for the knockouts with ease.
The Manchester derby takes place on Sunday at Old Trafford between two teams who seem to be regaining some form. Haaland himself has found his golden touch again, and will be hoping to make the difference against Erik ten Hag’s side at the weekend. Haaland now has eleven goals in all competitions for Manchester City and still remains favourite to claim back-to-back golden boots.
Redemption arcs for Maguire and Onana
Embed from Getty ImagesIt was another night in the Champions League where Manchester United were having to survive nervy moments as FC Copenhagen took the game to their hosts in the opening stages. United’s Champions League hopes were hanging by a thread unless they could come up with a big moment to claim a vital three points.
In this case they got two big moments, from unlikely sources. Harry Maguire nodded the ball into the ground and beyond the keeper to send the Stretford End crazy, after a delicious cross from Christian Eriksen. But FC Copenhagen refused to lie down and deep into added time they were awarded a penalty.
Jordan Larsson stepped up but his effort was saved by Andre Onana, with the full time whistle blowing moments later. Maguire and Onana were the heroes after receiving their share of criticism this season. The heavily criticised pair salvaged Manchester United’s Champions League hopes, and the fans left Old Trafford full of hope.
Toon lacked finishing touch in frantic affair as Isak injury causes concern
Embed from Getty ImagesNewcastle suffered their first Champions League defeat against Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund. St James’ Park was in it’s usual buoyant mood heading into the game, and the end-to-end start made it a pulsating watch.
Antony Gordon forced Gregor Kobel into a couple of good saves, meanwhile Nick Pope had denied Dortmund on several occasions, including a double save. The only goal of the game came from Felix Nmecha, a lovely first time finish on the edge of the box.
Newcastle lacked intensity in the second half but came close through Wilson, and struck the crossbar twice. It is a first dose of defeat for Eddie Howe’s men meaning the group is still wide open. It does not get any easier for Newcastle who still have to travel to Dortmund and Paris, whilst hosting AC Milan too.
An injury to Alexander Isak forced the Swedish striker off so Newcastle will be hoping Callum Wilson can fill the void as he has done so well in the past.
Who are Manchester City’s biggest threat?
Embed from Getty ImagesManchester City, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich are the only four teams who have won every group game so far. All four giants have impressed again on the biggest stage and the holders may have a tough task in reclaiming their Champions League crown.
Bayern Munich have swept aside Manchester United and beaten FC Copenhagen and Galatasaray as they have dominated group A. They have scored an average of three goals per game, but have been leaky at the back, conceding give goals, and at least one in every tie.
Real Madrid left it late to beat Union Berlin, and have too just edged past Napoli and Braga in their other two matches. Jude Bellingham has scored in all three games. Barcelona have only conceded one goal so far, scoring eight goals themselves, with five coming against Antwerp.
All three sides have shown signs of dominance and look likely to continue their European journey in 2024 as the knockout stages begin. If one of these teams are drawn against Manchester City, we are in for a treat.
