The Big Four in Europe: Well Done?

By Zain Alvi | 8th April 2009

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liverpoolvchelseauefachampionsleaguejzjia0ozwqrl While some of us Premier League fans must be jubilant with celebrations right now, others are still sure to be hurting, as the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals is already in the books. Rather than reviewing the Champions League results, however, this article focuses on moving on to this weekend’s Premier League fixtures for the “Big Four”, and how their Champions League outings will end up affecting their Premier League outings this weekend.

Let’s start with the side that must be undoubtedly the most content with the midweek’s Champions League results. No prizes for guessing this one!

Chelsea: The Blues will host Bolton Wanderers in one of the many games kicking off this Saturday afternoon. While Gary Megson’s side has improved over the course of the season, I am sure that Chelsea will be more than motivated to pick up the win at Stamford Bridge. After all, Bolton spoiled the chance of allowing Chelsea to at least finished tied with Manchester United on points last season, by scoring a last-minute deflected goal at the Bridge.

With Chelsea almost sure to head into the Champions League semifinals after the 3-1 win over Liverpool at Anfield, they will have the luxury of not being distracted by the return leg next week. Also, given their confidence after the 3-1 mauling of the Reds, the Blues arguably have the greatest momentum amongst all of the Big Four at the moment. Add up the incredible form of Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba to the mix, and you shall be able to understand why Bolton stands no chance!

Arsenal: Most Arsenal fans, including myself, are still struggling to get over that larger-than-life equalizer by Emmanuel Adebayor at the Madrigal. Of course, the importance of that goal enhances its beauty ten times. However, I am not too confident about the weekend. Wigan Athletic have always given the Gunners a run for their money. And, on top of that, this young Arsenal squad has always struggled to deliver when the schedule demands two consecutive trips away from home.

On the flip side, the Gunners are in excellent form right now, with continuation of their great momentum being the key to ending the season strong. Therefore, I can imagine Arsene Wenger striving to get the lads together and give them a speech about remaining grounded until the very end of the season. If this young Arsenal side can do exactly that, then we can expect them to cruise at the JJB stadium this weekend. Otherwise, expect Wigan to give them a tough time.

Manchester United: Carlos Tevez must have felt that, for once, he could be the ultimate hero for the defending champions at Old Trafford. However, the ordinary form of the Red Devils was once again exposed by Porto at the end, and for me, this lack of concentration on United’s part could be the key in deciding the balance of the Premier League season. Part of me believes that United will turn a leaf very soon, and approach a state of invincibility again. But, a greater part of me insists that this could prove to be too much of a turning point.

A trip to the intimidating Dragao must be lingering on the mind of Sir Alex Ferguson, as United play Sunderland at the Stadium of Light this Saturday afternoon. And remember, the Black Cats are no longer a spent force under Ricky Sbragia, as he has transformed them into a competitive outfit. At the end of the day, the bookies would expect the United players to fight for their lives and grind out a win. I say that can only happen if the Old Trafford outfit can revitalize at the back, and keep a clean sheet. If the hosts get the first blood early on, Fergie’s men will be facing the music right in their faces.

And now, it’s time to conclude with this midweek’s most disappointing Premier League side – Liverpool!

Liverpool: It still beats me how Liverpool could allow Chelsea to win so emphatically in their own backyard. Former Blues manager Jose Mourinho recently said that in all of the Champions League ties played between these two sides in the past, the winning team just edges the tie on luck. However, the Blues ensured that their former manager’s claims were expired as of this evening. Frank Lampard silenced his critics by outperforming his fierce midfield competitor, Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, while Fernando Torres was shut down immediately after he scored the first goal of the match.

The fact that even some of Chelsea’s outcasts such as Branislav Ivanovic and Florent Malouda had such an easy time outplaying the Reds at Anfield should pose a huge threat to Liverpool’s confidence. The Reds were previously thriving in the Premier League, but the only thing that favors them domestically at the moment is the fact that they have probably only one competition to focus on. If a nervous Manchester United side slips up at the weekend, and the Reds overcome Blackburn in Saturday’s early kick-off at Anfield, then we can say that it’s game on in the Premier League. Otherwise, it might just end up being another case of a ’so near, yet so far’ campaign for the Merseyside giants.

Do you agree with this assessment of the Big Fours’ performances? Comment below or have your say in the forum!