Liverpool’s dominant run to its 20th English league title has reignited claims that the Premier League is “weak”. But English clubs’ strong performances in Europe paint a different picture.
With 82 points after 34 matches, Liverpool is 15 points clear of Arsenal, with four games left. Critics argue the lack of serious challengers has made this season less competitive.
Manchester City, champions for the past four seasons and tipped to make it five in a row, lost form and exited in the Champions League Round of 16. However, City has a shot at silverware as it prepares for an FA Cup final showdown with Crystal Palace.
Despite poor domestic form, Manchester United and Tottenham are on course for a Europa League final. United – whose long-standing record of 20 titles Liverpool just matched – sits 14th in the EPL, while Tottenham is 16th.
On Friday morning (Malaysian time), United beat Spain’s Athletic Bilbao 3-0 away, and is expected to complete the job at Old Trafford. Tottenham downed Norway’s Bodo/Glimt 3-1 at home.
Chelsea, competing in the Europa Conference League, defeated Sweden’s Djurgardens 4-1, despite concerns about the host’s artificial pitch. In the other semifinal, Real Betis edged Fiorentina 2-1.
Arsenal, likely to finish EPL runners-up for a third straight year, trails 1-0 in its Champions League semifinal after a home defeat to Paris St-Germain – the same club that knocked Liverpool out on penalties in the quarters. Meanwhile, Barcelona staged a dramatic 3-3 comeback against Inter Milan.
If Arsenal can turn the tide in Paris, England could boast four European finalists – a strong rebuttal to claims of a “weak” league.
With five Champions League slots already secured for next season, an English Europa League winner could add a sixth representative – a first in the competition’s history.
Fixtures (Malaysian time)
May 3
Manchester City vs Wolves (3am)
Aston Villa vs Fulham (7.30pm)
Leicester vs Southampton (10pm)
Everton vs Ipswich (10pm)
May 4
Arsenal vs Bournemouth (12.30am)
Brighton vs Newcastle (9pm)
Brentford vs Manchester United (9pm)
West Ham vs Tottenham (9pm)
Chelsea vs Liverpool (11.30pm)
May 6
Crystal Palace vs Nottingham Forest (3am)
Main image: Liverpool fans wear specially designed jerseys to mark the club’s 20th league title.
