Liverpool the big winners, Man City among the losers in first week of European football

Sport360 staff 00:49 22/09/2018
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  • Liverpool enjoyed a thrilling win against PSG.

    European football began in earnest this week with the first games in the group stages of the Champions League and Europa League being played.

    Eight British teams were involved across the two competitions, with mixed results.

    Here, Press Association Sport looks at the winners and losers from the first round of matches.

    Tottenham – LOSERS

    Mauricio Pochettino’s side were five minutes away from a great result at San Siro but conceded twice late on to lose 2-1, another blow to their confidence after successive Premier League defeats. Question marks were again raised over the form and fitness of Harry Kane, who has made a slow start to the season on the back of winning the Golden Boot at the World Cup.

    Liverpool – WINNERS

    Questions may be asked over how a dominant Liverpool allowed an underwhelming Paris St Germain side back into their game at Anfield and needed a late goal to secure a 3-2 victory, but it was still an excellent result for the Reds. Jurgen Klopp‘s men have made an outstanding start to their campaign and this result against one of Europe’s big guns is only likely to fuel confidence further.

    Manchester United – WINNERS

    United have been inconsistent in the opening month of the season and manager Jose Mourinho has been the subject of a lot of negative headlines but, after receiving a tough Champions League draw, a comfortable win in their opener was just what they required. Paul Pogba scored twice as United eased Young Boys aside 3-0 in Bern, setting themselves up nicely for tougher games ahead against Valencia and Juventus.

    BSC Young Boys v Manchester United - UEFA Champions League Group H

    Manchester City – LOSERS

    City were installed as Champions League favourites by bookmakers heading into the competition but they look anything but that as they slumped to a dismal defeat to Lyon in their first game at the Etihad Stadium. With manager Pep Guardiola watching helplessly from the stands as he served a touchline ban, City were uncharacteristically lethargic and punished for their errors by the French side.

    Rangers – WINNERS

    Steven Gerrard has guided Rangers through every round of qualifying to get to the Europa League group stages, and there was no doubt they belonged there after they pulled off a deserved draw in Villarreal. They went behind twice but showed good character to draw level on both occasions and pick up what could be a valuable point in their toughest game. The confidence Rangers pick up from the result could be invaluable in the rest of the season.

    Chelsea – WINNERS

    It could, and should, have been a lot more convincing a win for Maurizio Sarri‘s side out in Greece, but they got the job done nevertheless. Despite resting the in-form Eden Hazard, Chelsea fielded a strong side but could not build on an early goal before settling for a one-goal win. They had the chances to, but the form of Alvaro Morata will remain a major concern and while Pedro also went off injured, they claimed the three points they were there for.

    Celtic – WINNERS

    It took them longer than they would have liked, but Leigh Griffiths’ late strike ensured it was an important win for the Hoops in Glasgow. They have yet to hit top form this season, but Brendan Rodgers will be happy if they can keep picking up the results without playing their best. The Griffiths goal could also go some way to helping Rodgers decide how best to line-up post-Moussa Dembele, with the striker desperate to work his way back into the starting XI.

    Arsenal – WINNERS

    It was always likely to be a convincing win for the Gunners against Ukrainian outfit Vorskla Poltava and, after a slow start, Unai Emery’s side showed their class. It clearly remains a work in progress for the Frenchman at the Emirates, but there was the pleasing sign of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang getting on the scoresheet. He had only netted once this season before his well-taken double, which will give him a boost ahead of the weekend, while there were also good run-outs for Lucas Torreira and Bernd Leno.

    FBL-EUR-C3-ARSENAL-VORSKLA

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