Prem stars are running out of gas

IT SHOULD not be a surprise that English clubs are still flying the flag in European competition. But last week should serve as a much-needed wake-up call for the Premier League ahead of the return legs.

- BY JOHN CROSS

LATE SHOW Arsenal were lucky to get a draw in Germany

Arsenal and Newcastle were the only teams to salvage something from their Champions League ties with Bayer Leverkusen and Barcelona respectively as they both shared 1-1 draws.

Manchester City, Tottenham, Liverpool and Chelsea all lost and Aston Villa were the only English team to win in Europe last week, winning their Europa League tie at Lille.

But the reason why English clubs are ahead of Spain and Germany in the coefficient rankings at this point is because they have six teams in the Champions League (more than anyone else) and you get two points for a win, a point for a draw and bonus points through the knockout rounds.

Even if the Premier League has a disaster and they all go out - statistically unlikely - they are still well placed to grab the extra fifth Champions League spot.