Leicester City’s 2017 fairy tale lit up the football world, sparking debates on whether it was sensible to make expensive signings by clubs. And while the debate was timely, the other premier league clubs didn’t look bothered. They went ahead with the expensive buys, breaking banks for the most revered players in the market.
Expensive Signings
Manchester United raided the Juventus camp, bringing back an old boy, Paul Pogba, who had metamorphosed into an excellent midfielder. And they didn’t stop there. Ed Woodward dug deep into the United coffers, plucking Harry Maguire from a formidable Leicester side, and persuading Aaron Wan Bissaka to cross over from Selhurst Park Stadium.
Yet with all these signings and the recent addition of Portuguese sensation Bruno Fernandez, Manchester United are yet to find their footing in the European competitions.
Leicester Making a Comeback to European Football?
The Foxes haven’t been anywhere near the team they were in 2017. However, the Brendan Rodgers coached side has had a consistent performance this season, setting up a tight top-four race finish.
They last played in the Champions League under Ranieri, and while the race for top-four finish shapes up with a few games remaining, Brendan Rodgers believes his side can gatecrash the top four again.
“What the players have done has been remarkable. I’m pretty clear on that and getting the perspective of it all.”
They come against an Arsenal side that has blown hot and cold and would need to be at their best to keep their Champions League dream alive.
However, they will be buoyed by their emphatic win over Crystal Place over the weekend, which marked the end of their winless streak since the return from lockdown
Manchester United on a roll
The Red Devils swept aside Brighton in a Sunday 5-2 win over Brighton in what was one of the most eye-catching performances since Alex Ferguson left the Carrington grounds. The Sunday win, which cemented kept their top-four finish alive, was engineered by new signing, Bruno Fernandez.
The ex-Sporting midfielder has had a tremendous impact and was a gem to watch on Sunday. He had a dazzling individual performance, combining with Paul Pogba to dominate a midfield that initiated devastating counter attacks the whole game.
However, the youngster, Mason Greenwood, stole the show, displaying fantastic talent and hard work. His opener, an exquisite left-foot finish, broke the deadlock as United extended their 15 matches unbeaten streak.
And old boy, Paul Scholes, has been full of praise of United team under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, saying that United finally have a team that can eventually challenge for top honors in Europe.
Chelsea not sleeping on their laurels
A loss to West Ham was a massive blow to the Blue’s top-four credentials. A win over relegation-threatened side Watford was therefore inevitable if Frank Lampard’s charges were to cement their top-four finish.
And they did respond emphatically, dispatching a struggling Watford side that sat deep in their half for the most of the game.
Chelsea might have missed out on the transfer market, but Lampard’s faith in a young team seems to be paying off.
They may have to struggle a while with Ngolo Kante sidelined, but their push for a top-four finish is on track.
