Champions League Roundup: How are the English Clubs faring among Europe’s Elite?

As we approach match day four of six in the UEFA Champions League, all four English Clubs harbor lofty ambitions of being in Azerbaijan for the final, next May.

So, how are they getting on as we pass the midpoint of the group table stage?

Liverpool:

Arguably in the toughest group, Jurgen Klopp’s men sit pretty in first.

Despite a disappointing night in Napoli, where they were consigned to a Lorenzo Insigne inspired one-nil defeat, the finalists from last year have won their other two matches. In one of the many great European nights at Anfield, Liverpool were electric in parts against one of the tournament favourites, Paris Saint-Germain.

After throwing away a two-nil lead to the French side, Roberto Firmino snatched an injury time winner. Liverpool once again, showed their relentless spirit which made them so difficult to beat last season in this tournament.

In certainly a calmer affair for the Kop, match day three was a dominant home performance against Red Star Belgrade, with a Salah double helping triumph four-nil. However, with a Partisan crowd behind them, Red Star Belgrade will be certainly more dangerous at home in the return clash on Tuesday Evening.

P	Team	GP	W	D	L	F	A	GD	Pts
1	Liverpool	3	2	0	1	7	3	4	6
2	Napoli	3	1	2	0	3	2	1	5
3	PSG	3	1	1	1	10	6	4	4
4	Red Star Belgrade	3	0	1	2	1	10	-9	1

Manchester City:

After making the worst possible start into their Champions League pursuit, enduring a shock two-one home defeat to Lyon, Man City have got into their stride with recent back to back victories, putting them to the top of the group.

After coming from behind to beat Hoffenheim two-one before completely dominating Shakhtar Donetsk, which is notoriously a tricky place to visit.

Regaining their mercurial ways, playing some slick and expansive football, it is clear to see why many experts tip Guardiola’s men to go all the way this season. With a three point gap between first and third, City are in a comfortable position to progress into the deep depths of the Champions League.

P	Team	GP	W	D	L	F	A	GD	Pts
1	Man City	3	2	0	1	6	3	3	6
2	Lyon	3	1	2	0	7	6	1	5
3	Hoffenheim	3	0	2	1	6	7	-1	2
4	Shakhtar	3	0	2	1	4	7	-3	2

Tottenham:

After being handed dangerous trips to the San Siro and the Nou Camp, Spurs knew they were always facing an uphill battle to reach the knockout stages of the prestigious competition.

With just one point from the first three match days, Tottenham are struggling to stay afloat.

Throughout the group stages, Spurs have continually shot themselves in the foot, throwing away leads to Inter and PSV.

Attempting to make the perfect start to their campaign, taking the lead at the San Siro, Tottenham were undone by a ninety-second minute winner with Inter Milan, snatching all three points.

Spurs were victims of some Messi magic in the next round of games, with a double from the Argentinian proving vital in a four-two win for the Catalan side. Spurs also suffered in similar circumstances in Holland for their match against PSV. After captain, Hugo Lloris was sent off with ten minutes to go, the PSV constant pressure proved too much for Tottenham as PSV grasped an eight-seventh equalizer, leaving Spurs win-less so far in the tournament.

P	Team	GP	W	D	L	F	A	GD	Pts
1	Barcelona	3	3	0	0	10	2	8	9
2	Inter	3	2	0	1	4	4	0	6
3	Spurs	3	0	1	2	5	8	-3	1
4	PSV	3	0	1	2	3	8	-5	1

Manchester United:

With four points from three games, Manchester United have made a somewhat mixed start to their campaign.

Initially picking up three points on the road to Young Boys, United have picked up just one point in their two matches at Old Trafford.

Held to a tedious nil-nil draw to Valencia and being outclassed in all departments by Juventus, the pressure is mounting on Jose Mourinho and United to get a result in Turin on match day four.

Sitting joint second in the table, it is likely Man United will need to get a result in Italy to avoid slipping out of the qualification places.