For the first time in seven years, there will be no English representation in the last four of the UEFA Champions League.

To say that an era has ended would be excessive, but it is certainly notable that none of the established ‘Big Four’ have reached their usual positioning amongst Europe’s elite.

You only need to look at each side’s individual demises to know that the margins are small in these knockout battles. United go out to on away goals to a wonder strike from Arjen Robben.

Chelsea were guilty of a slight lack of energy and guile in attempting to break down the brick wall that is the Inter defence whereas Arsenal were, wholly reasonably, outclassed by a player who operates on a different planet. Only Liverpool can be seen to have seriously regressed from past endeavours, having been eliminated at the group stages.

If we go looking for wider influences behind a poor year for the English sides, can one be found in the emergence of Manchester City as a spending powerhouse?

In the summer, they swooped to relieve Arsene Wenger of Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor; they enticed long-term Liverpool target Gareth Barry to Eastlands; and perhaps most significantly of all, they convinced Carlos Tevez to move from the red to blue side of Manchester.

Most pundits point to Xavi Alonso’s departure as a key influence in Liverpool’s fall from grace. Would Barry have proved a more able replacement than the brittle and under-used Alberto Aquilani?

In the face of a central defensive crisis, Arsene Wenger could have done with Kolo Toure in the Nou Camp in place of the creaking Mikael Silvestre. And surely Adebayor would have proved a more dangerous threat to the Barcelona defence than Nicklas Bendtner?

Lastly, Sir Alex Ferguson took a chance last night on a clearly under-par Wayne Rooney, not least due to the lack of dynamism offered by £30m alternative Dimitar Berbatov. How he would love to have called upon an on-fire Tevez.

As I say, the margins are small. At the business end of a season, squad depth is vital. Thanks to Man City’s mega bucks, their Premier League rivals have been weakened and now exposed by Europe’s best.

Following the inspiration of the superb Zonal Marking and the discovery of this11, a tactical analysis of United’s adjustment after Rafael’s red card with pretty diagrams and stuff…

This is how we described the adjustment in our post-match analysis…

Ferguson’s reaction to going down to 10 contributed much to United’s eventual defeat. He had numerous options and chose to remove Rooney and bring on John O’Shea. The Irishman severely lacked match fitness, one, and two, it left United with no recognised striker. Gibson went to left midfield leaving Nani haring around upfront.That left United with no outlet, no-one who could hold up the ball. Though Nani chased manfully (and could have scored once) immediately United were under seige, and it was relentless with nowhere for them to go.

Other solutions looked better. Berbatov had to come on and give United someone who could hold the ball up, supported by a midfielder (Valencia or Nani) where possible, and Fletcher to right back. A 4-3-1-1 if you like, with the other winger pushed narrow. Or a 4-4-1 with midfielders supporting the Bulgarian when they can. Alternatively, take off Rooney and Valencia/Nani, and play Giggs off Berbatov with the other narrow. Or if O’Shea has to come on, take off one of the wingers (and Rooney) and use the other winger off Berbatov with Fletcher in the midfield three. Heck, even take off Rooney, Valencia and Nani, put O’Shea to right back, and play Giggs off Berba.

Anything that gave United a recognised striker, a get out, an escape from the relentless attacks.

Nani on his own upfront against a good team who had to score just invited pressure, encouraged a bombardment, and forced United’s backs further against the wall.

So here it is diagrammatically (which will probably make much more sense). This is how United started the game and indeed the second half:

Rooney was supported by Valencia in Nani in a 4-5-1 / 4-3-3 formation, with Gibson bombing on in a Lampard stylee. This blew Bayern away initially as United raced into a three goal lead, and though Bayern nicked one before half time Ferguson’s men were almost totally dominant.

However, after the sending off everything changed. This is how Ferguson reshuffled:

As discussed above, this left Nani coming in on his own from the left upfront, running around like a headless chicken but offering nothing in terms of an outlet who could hold the ball up. Valencia tried to support him but United ended up with their backs to the wall.

This is how they should have reshuffled. Either like this:

With Berbatov the lone front man supported by Valencia and Nani, or like this:

Which would give Berbatov more support, or even, with an extra two substitutions, this:

Which leaves United looking more robust in midfield, and with Giggs playing a more natural role behind the striker. Should Fergie have preferred to reserve a sub, Nani could play the Giggs role.

Any of the above, all containing Berbatov, would have been better options for a team looking to preserve a narrow lead. It would have given them capacity to attack but also an outlet that would have helped them defend.

Just call me Sir Alex.

A dramatic game in the Champions League saw Man Utd somewhat unfortunately go out on away goals to Bayern Munich. Here is our analysis of their great first half, that red card, Fergie’s bizarre tactical adjustment, and Arjen Robben’s superb goal…

Firstly, Man United were unfortunate, if not unlucky, to go out. They played very well for the most part, and were beaten by a combination of a stupid red card, a strange decision from Sir Alex, and a superb goal from Arjen Robben.

The early big news was Wayne Rooney starting – but his influence on the game turned out to be negligible. He did set up Gibson’s opening goal, but other than that was largely anonymous, hassled and harried by Bayern’s defenders. He took another knock during the game, and was ultimately withdrawn early in the second half as a result of the dismissal.

It was United’s other attacking tyros who gave them the start they craved. Darron Gibson, a surprise inclusion, immediately justified his selection with a strike that beat Hans-Jorg Butt at his near post – and although the keeper was unsighted, he arguably could have done better.

Valencia and Nani caused havoc on the wings, unably marshalled by the German full backs, and the former crossed for the latter to put United two up in only the seventh minute. Although the flick looked good, God knows why Nani didn’t just finish with his leading right foot. Fortunately it beat Butt at his far post, and United were jubilant.

And it only got better, as the energy of the wingers plus Carrick, Gibson and Fletcher didn’t let up, gave their opponents no time on the ball, shut down and chased at 100mph, and ultimately bullied Bayern into conceding again, Valencia’s cross swept into the roof of the net for Nani’s second and United’s third.

They looked home and hosed – but never discount the Germans.

In the 43rd minute Bayern broke in what was their only real attack of the first half, Carrick slipped, and Olic scrambled the ball across Edwin Van Der Sar and into the far corner to get them back into the game. They scarcely deserved it – United fully merited a three goal and 4-2 aggregate lead at half time, and it would have significantly changed the atmosphere in the two dressing rooms.

Early in the second half came the key moment. Rafael dragged Ribery back and was shown a second yellow, adding to the foolish kick out he was punished for in the first half. He had marshalled Ribery excellently up to that point, and looked to have validated Ferguson’s decision to go with youth and vigour over the experience of Gary Neville. However, for all the energy Rafael offered, he also displayed a naivety that Neville surely would not have, and with his dismissal the game turned.

However, Ferguson’s reaction to going down to 10 contributed much to United’s eventual defeat. He had numerous options and chose to remove Rooney and bring on John O’Shea. The Irishman severely lacked match fitness, one, and two, it left United with no recognised striker. Gibson went to left midfield leaving Nani haring around upfront.

That left United with no outlet, no-one who could hold up the ball. Though Nani chased manfully (and could have scored once) immediately United were under seige, and it was relentless with nowhere for them to go.

Other solutions looked better. Berbatov had to come on and give United someone who could hold the ball up, supported by a midfielder (Valencia or Nani) where possible, and Fletcher to right back. A 4-3-1-1 if you like, with the other winger pushed narrow. Or a 4-4-1 with midfielders supporting the Bulgarian when they can. Alternatively, take off Rooney and Valencia/Nani, and play Giggs off Berbatov with the other narrow. Or if O’Shea has to come on, take off one of the wingers (and Rooney) and use the other winger off Berbatov with Fletcher in the midfield three. Heck, even take off Rooney, Valencia and Nani, put O’Shea to right back, and play Giggs off Berba.

Anything that gave United a recognised striker, a get out, an escape from the relentless attacks.

Nani on his own upfront against a good team who had to score just invited pressure, encouraged a bombardment, and forced United’s backs further against the wall.

I am in no place to criticise Sir Alex – but in my humble opinion he got it wrong. United were desperate for an outlet to relieve pressure, and had denied them one.

Berbatov eventually came on with 10 minutes to go, too late after Bayern scored, and the Germans closed the game out expertly.

But what a goal it was. Ribery’s corner was floated to the far angle of the box, and Robben – inexplicably unmarked – hit the cleanest volley you will ever see into Van Der Sar’s far corner. A superb goal, no doubt. But why was no-one on him? Even as the corner was taken and sailed towards the Dutchman, there was time to close him. But no-one got close enough.

Robben wheeled away and was soon substituted to rapturous congratulations from the Bayern bench. You sensed at that point that (despite 1999) they had the utmost confidence in their ability to hold onto that decisive goal and close out the game.

And so it proved, as United barely managed a serious attack after it.

Rafael, Ferguson and Robben had conspired to ensure there was no English team in the semi-finals for the first time in seven years.

Unfortunate for United, but not unlucky. They orchestrated their own demise, with Robben the key agent.

Name six players who have played for at least two of the following four English clubs: Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Man United (The Big Four, you could say…)

AND

Real Madrid or Barcelona

Email us for the answers… contact@footballsup.com

Here is the Champions League last 8 draw in full:

Inter Milan v CSKA Moscow
Arsenal v Barcelona
Bayern Munich v Manchester United
Lyon v Bordeaux

And the resultant semi final draw:

Inter/CSKA Moscow v Arsenal/Barcelona
Bayern/Man United v Lyon/Bordeaux

A few observations:

• A dream draw for Man United. There are no easy games at this stage but an eminently winnable tie against Bayern followed by a French side is about as good as it gets

• Arsenal on the other hand have undoubtedly the toughest game in Barcelona, and even if they do win will in all probability face Inter. As tough a double header as you can imagine.

• Good that the two English sides have been kept apart but the chances of them meeting, considering Arsenal’s draw, is slim

• Man Utd are arguably the new favourites for the cup.

• The quarter-final first legs will be played on 30 and 31 March with the returns on 6 and 7 April.
  

The above pic (but in reverse) would have been a welcome sight for England fans as the World Cup draws ever closer. Wayne Rooney, the single most important factor in England’s challenge (despite what that dickhead Tony Cascarino says) has made it through another game, with Michael Owen seeing it out.

Or even better, as with the League Cup final, Rooney is rested and starts on the bench.

No more. Michael Owen has been ruled out until the end of the season, increasing the already intense burden on Wayne’s fat shoulders. Ferguson is now down to Rooney and Berbatov as genuine first team players.

He has some back up – Macheda is due to return imminently from injury, Mame Diouf is (apparently) promising, and Fergie could easily recall Danny Welbeck from Preston (although still unconvinced about him).

But without Owen, Ferguson’s options are undoubtedly reduced, proportionally increasing Rooney’s game time – and risk factor. If he gets injured, even the pipe dream can be extinguished.

Owen’s injury has, indirectly, affected our World Cup chances – though probably not as England’s fourth all time goalscorer would have wished.

We’ve not done one of these for a while – not since the inspired selection of Abou Diaby a few weeks back. So who is our beady eye on this week? It’s on two players, in fact…

1. Carlton Cole

Usually in a side with about a million strikers you’d be worried about rotation, but Cole will play if he is fit – and having fully recovered from injury, he finally is. And none too soon for struggling West Ham. What’s more, his return coincides with a double gameweek for the Hammers, and though it’s unlikely (though not impossible) that he will get points in their second game against Man United, he could well fill his boots in the home game against Hull. At £6.4m, for this week and beyond, he is a snip. Bye bye Darren Bent (finally, and probably a month too late).

2. Wayne Rooney

Not exactly a controversial choice. In fact probably the most obvious one you’ll ever make. Just make sure you make it. It’ll make your week. Don’t make the mistake of not making the transfer that makes Rooney part of your starting eleven. And make him captain. This season has been the making of him. And he will make hay in a double gameweek against Everton and West Ham. I can’t think of any other uses for ‘make’. So make your way to http://fantasy.premierleague.com and get him in now.

Here it is in full:

1 Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid, £11.3million)
2 Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Barcelona, £10.4million)
3 Lionel Messi (Barcelona, £9.1million)
4 Samuel Eto’o (Internazionale, £9.1million)
5 Kaka (Real Madrid, £8.7million)
6 Emmanuel Adebayor (Manchester City, £7.4million)
7 Karim Benzema (Real Madrid, £7.4million)
8 Carlos Tevez (Manchester City, £7million)
9 John Terry (Chelsea, £6.5million)
10 Frank Lampard (Chelsea, £6.5million)

11 Thierry Henry (Barcelona, £6.5million)
12 Xavi (Barcelona, £6.5million)
13 Ronaldinho (AC Milan, £6.5million)
14 Steven Gerrard (Liverpool, £6.5million)
15 Daniel Alves (Barcelona, £6.1million)
16 Michael Ballack (Chelsea, £5.6million)
17 Raul (Real Madrid, £5.6million)
18 Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United, £5.6million)
19 Kolo Toure (Manchester City, £5.6million)
20 Wayne Rooney (Manchester United, £5.2million)

21 Robinho (Manchester City, £5.2million)
22 Iker Casillas (Real Madrid, £5.2million)
23 Victor Valdez (Barcelona, £5.2million)
24 Frederic Kanoute (Sevilla, £5.2million)
25 Deco (Chelsea, £5.2million)
26 Didier Drogba (Chelsea, £4.8million)
27 Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus, £4.8million)
28 Francesco Totti (Roma, £4.8million)
29 Luca Toni (Roma, £4.8million)
30 David Villa (Valencia, £4.8million)

31 Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich, £4.8million)
32 Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern Munich, £4.8million)
33 Ashley Cole (Chelsea, £4.8million)
34 Fernando Torres (Liverpool, £4.8million)
35 Gareth Barry (Manchester City, £4.8million)
36 Patrick Vieira (Internazionale, £4.8million)
37 Charles Puyol (Barcelona, £4.3million)
38 Andres Iniesta (Barcelona, £4.3million)
39 Sergio Aguero (Atletico Madrid, £4.3million)
40 Andreas Pirlo (AC Milan, £4.3million)

41 Phillipe Lahm (Bayern Munich, £4.3million)
42 Frank Ribery (Bayern Munich, £4.3million)
43 David Beckham (AC Milan, £4.3million)
44 Wayne Bridge (Manchester City, £4.3million)
45 Lassana Diarra (Real Madrid, £4.3million)
46 Dimitar Berbatov (Manchester United £4.1million)
47 Andrei Arshavin (Arsenal, £4.1million)
48 Nicolas Anelka (Chelsea, £4.1million)
49 Ryan Giggs (Manchester United £4.1million)
50 Alessandro Del Piero (Juventus, £4.1million)

Ummm…. where to start? The very inclusion of Wayne Bridge? The fact Gareth Barry is higher than Iniesta? The fact Cesc Fabregas doesn’t appear on the list? The fact Del Piero and Giggs are 49th and 50th, with such dross above them? The fact Ronaldo earns more than twice as much as Rooney? I could go on. But I’ll let you find/draw your own fantastic conclusions…

Notes:

(1) The figures are the result of research carried out in more than 30 publications worldwide that specialize in football. Of which, the major newspapers and magazines of the top leagues in the world.

(2) The figures are unofficial and approximate, and depend on new hires, or renewals of each contract.

(3) Figures refer to gross wages of the players (before tax), which of course does not include advertising contracts, gaming awards, signing bonuses, or other extra pay.

(4) There may from time to time differences with the figures, due to exchange rate in relation to players do not receive their salaries in euros. You can read the original article in full here.

Chelsea’s 2-1 defeat to Everton (not to mention their recent draw with Hull) coupled with United only getting a point against Villa means Arsenal are only six points behind Ancelloti’s men, and five points behind Fergusons. Here is how the top of the table looks:

Even this unpredictable season, I think we can rule out Liverpool. And prior to last night, it was arguable that you could rule out Arsenal, too. Not any more… look at this run in:

Away games to Stoke and Spurs, and a home game to Man City, are the only games against sides in the top half of the table! (Assuming Birmingham will slip to their rightful place). It’s not inconceivable (although is unlikely) that Arsenal could win every single one of those games. And if they do, you have to fancy them making up six points on Chelsea. And five on United. It’s a big if, but Arsenal’s title challenge is back on track…

Fancy it?

This comes from United’s 5-0 destruction of Portsmouth; it didn’t lead to a goal, but was pretty special… (Start at 5.10)

To have the presence of mind to realise that’s the only way you can get Valencia in, and possessing the ability to actually do it, are a breathless combination. Not many other players could do what Berbatov does there.

Berbatov is a mercurial talent, undoubtedly hugely gifted but laconic and peripheral too much of the time. I heart him. Why you like him is summed up well in this post that I’ve stolen from Football365′s forum:

If Berbatov was my lone striker I’d probably yearn for someone more hardworking. But United have Rooney.

Berbatov for me is just a joy to watch. I could excuse his goal tally or point out how he gets loads of assists and how the team gets better results when he plays with Rooney, but ultimately I don’t really care, I grew up wanting to be Eric Cantona, while everyone else wanted us to sign Shearer my dream signing would have been Matt Le Tisser. I don’t care if Berbatov is a lazy poser, he does things like that lofted ball over the defender for Valencia yesterday that make me go ‘yay!’, and in a squad that’s full of people who’ll run all day (Rooney, Evra, Park, Fletcher) I think there’s room for a player who’s all about finesse.