You BetPremier League best bets: Why domestic intensity is harming English clubs in Europe
Unlike Spain, Germany and other leagues, there are no easy games in England
The lead in the English Premier League could change hands three or even four times over this elongated weekend: one or both of the Manchester clubs can reach the summit tonight, Arsenal have their own chance to strike for the top tomorrow and finally Leicester can reassume command when they host Chelsea on Monday night.
When commentators try to explain the recent lack of success for English clubs in the Champions League, the uncommon intensity of the competition in the Premier League is surely one factor they should consider. Yet many turn this positive for the world’s most popular football league into a negative, using it as a stick with which to beat the Premier League by claiming that the high concentration of teams within a few points of each other is a sign of mediocrity, not strength.
Perhaps, however, they are looking at the puzzle the wrong way round. Maybe the reason English clubs are going through a lean period in Europe is that the Premier League is just too strong, which means no manager can afford to take his eye off the ball in the domestic game.
Not so long ago, England was a leading force in European football. In the five seasons up to 2008-09, the Premier League provided six of the 10 finalists in the Champions League, with two winners and four runners-up.
In the six seasons since then, England has had only two of 12 finalists, with one winner and one runner-up. And it just so happens that the downturn occurred at precisely the time when the Premier League’s elite expanded from a big four (Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool) to a big six (now also including Manchester City and Tottenham).