Premier League sides had their first taste of group stage European football this week. With seven English sides taking part in the Champions League and Europa League.
However, only six of those sides managed to pick up the three points with only Chelsea (0-0 vs Sevilla) failing to win.
The fixtures are coming thick and fast for English sides now. With these fixtures coming off the back off an international break and a full Premier League fixture list.
Therefore, with teams having to play at home or travel abroad, which Premier League side gets the highest grade?
Manchester United A
Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s men travelled to Paris and picked up their second straight victory in the French capital. A Bruno Fernandes penalty and a late Marcus Rashford strike was enough to see United leave France will all three points.
Although the result was huge, it was how they kept Kylian Mbappé and Neymar quiet that was the most appealing on the eye. A well deserved 2-1 victory and a great way to start in what looked a tricky group for United.
Liverpool B+
Jurgen Klopp’s men headed to Amsterdam for what looked a tricky match for his injured side. However, his side channelled their inner champion mentality and managed a hard-fought 1-0 away win.
They travelled without Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip, Allison and summer recruit Thiago Alacantara. So with Fabinho deputising at centre back and error-prone Adrian in goal, a clean sheet will have pleased the Liverpool boss.
The goal did have luck about it with Tagliafico turning the ball into his own goal.
Manchester City B
After a disappointing end to their Champions League campaign last season, City made an ideal start this time around.
A goal each from Sergio Aguero, İlkay Gündoğan and summer signing Ferran Torres was enough to see City win 3-1. The only disappointment for Pep Guardiola would be how Porto took the lead.
A brilliant solo run from Luis Diaz put the Portuguese side in front early on. Apart from that, it was a good night for the Blue half of Manchester.
Tottenham Hotspurs B –
This was not Jose’s side first game in the Europa League this season. Spurs have had to make their way to the group stage via the qualifying rounds.
Jose did make some changes to his team which included Carlos Vinicius starting in place of Harry Kane. The Brazilian did not disappoint as he set up two goals for his teammates in a 3-0 home win against LASK.
A solid performance for the home side which should please Jose and the fans.
Leicester City C+
The home side made easy work of their match as they cruised to a 3-0 at home to Zorya Luhansk. Goals from James Maddison, Harvey Barnes and Kelechi Iheanacho helped wrap the game up in the 67th minute.
Brendan Rodgers’ side hardly had to move out of second gear, but the three points and no injuries will have pleased Rodgers.
Arsenal C
The North London side travelled to Austria to face Rapid Vienna. However, the Gunners made hard work of their 2-1 victory.
After going 1-0 down after 51 minutes, Mikel Arteta turned to the bench and to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to turn around his side’s fortune. That change did work as Aubameyang scored the first of two Arsenal goals within five minutes.
A worry for Arteta may be how his side looks less dangerous without their star striker on the pitch.
Chelsea C-
Lampard still praised his side after their 0-0 draw at home to Sevilla. He told the press after the game: “Seville are a top team in European football. The concentration and focus to get the result was big from the team”.
Summer signing Edouard Mendy looks to have settled into becoming Chelsea’s number one. His save from Nemanja Gudelj’s header was the defining moment in the game, which clinched a point for Lampard’s side. His defenders looked solid all game but he will be disappointed by his side’s lack of creativity going forward.
