Is the Premier League as strong as everyone thinks?

In this episode of The Athletic FC Podcast, host Ayo Akimolere and guest correspondents analyze the performances of English teams in the Champions League. Chelsea's match against PSG was a focal point, showcasing a mix of intensity but ultimately a collapse in the final stretch, resulting in a 3-0 loss. The discussion highlights goalkeeper Philip Jorgensen's challenges and Chelsea's need for a top-tier goalkeeper.

Later, attention shifts to Manchester City's shocking defeat to Real Madrid, where the tactics employed by Pep Guardiola raised eyebrows as City suffered a 3-0 loss due to a brilliant performance by Federico Valverde.

Arsenal's away game against Bayer Leverkusen is also covered, where despite struggling to perform at their best, they managed to secure a draw, thanks in part to Kai Havertz's decisive goal.

The episode wraps up by addressing the looming second legs of these fixtures and the uncertain fate of English clubs in the Champions League, considering scheduling challenges and competition from clubs like Bodo Glimt and Bayern Munich. The hosts emphasize the pressure on Premier League teams and the challenges of managing player fatigue amidst demanding schedules.