By Alex Ridout
Football fans across the world were treated to one of the greatest ties in Champions League history as Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Bayern Munich set the pitch alight, with attacking displays the most sides could only dream of.
PSG came out as victors 6-5 over the 180 minutes, giving their fans the signal to book the flights to Budapest and prepare for a potentially memorable end to the season in Europe’s number one club competition.
The French side look to repeat the successes of last year, after the 5-0 thrashing they gave Inter Milan in the previous Champions League finale.
On the other side of the epic was Bayern Munich, though the German faithful may be able to find the smallest amounts of comfort knowing that their players put in a set of displays that any fan could be proud of
The type of intensity and skill that football was meant to be played at.
A style of play that has seemingly been drilled out of the Premier League and English game in general.
When the focus was to attack, entertain and win by as bigger margin as possible, is now ignored for set piece opportunities and large periods of negative possession, as teams struggle to break down the solid defensive units of others.
This has made top level football on the shores of the UK become very systematic, robotic and predictable, as corners, long throws and free kicks become a priority for some.
But this focus on such a static and measured style has seen England’s biggest sides struggle when dipping their toes into European waters, especially in the Champions League.
This hasn’t been as big of a concern for the likes of Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forrest, who have a performed well in their respective European competitions, most likely due to the strength in depth that Premier League football has.
However, in the topflight of European football, the negative norm that has shrouded the Premier League has caused problems against some of the best of the continent.
Liverpool’s 4-0 aggregate defeat to Luis Enrique’s PSG was a perfect example of how positive attacking football was a shock to a team that is used to controlling the ball more slowly, with the intent of breaking an opposition down with pinpoint measured passing, instead of fast, direct, breakaway play.
The Reds’ cautious game plan implemented by Arne Slot has caused a lot of controversy in the Liverpool fanbase, with many desiring the exciting, fast-flowing football that was so effective under previous manager Jurgen Klopp.
This argument was helped by the two matches that Slot’s side played against the French champions, as Liverpool struggled to maintain the slowed built-up approach that had been so common in their games in the Premier League throughout the season, especially in the leg in France.
Enrique’s side’s impressive brand of football was able to unlock the door of the Reds’ defence way more often than any Liverpool fan would’ve liked, and with only 1.26 xG to PSG’s 4.32 across the tie.
Manchester City had a similar issue with their 5-1 aggregate defeat to Real Madrid in the last 16 of the competition, as quick counterattacks caused the Citizens problems.
Embed from Getty ImagesThis issue for the English sides isn’t a common one, with many not being able to live with the high level of talent the Premier League teams possess.
However, when they come up against the best teams in the world, who are looking at winning the biggest trophies that the game has to offer, they have so far have come unstuck on virtually every occasion.
Only Arsenal remains in the Champions League, after a 2-1 aggregate win against Atletico Madrid, and despite their low-scoring matches, have a chance to win the competition.
The Gunners’ solidity at the back is their obvious strength and is what has got them so far in the competition, so Mikel Arteta may have found the latest successful trend to grace the beautiful game.
Neutrals will certainly hope not.
Embed from Getty ImagesBut only time will tell if their more defensive strategy proves a winner, if that is what the Spaniard decides to do against PSG in Budapest, as Arsenal continue on the search for that elusive Champions League trophy.
Featured image of PSG flag and fans by Moahad Saqib on Unsplash
Alex Ridout Sports Journalist 