The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast Have Premier League clubs really struggled in Europe?
Mar 19, 2026
Mark Carey, match reporter who brings first‑hand fixture notes. Duncan Alexander, data specialist explaining xG and trends. Michael Cox, tactics analyst breaking down systems. They debate Premier League clubs’ European forms, Guardiola and Real Madrid’s standing. Conversations cover goalscoring spikes, the end of away goals, Bayern and Barcelona’s styles, and why Arsenal may suit knockout ties.
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High Goals From One-Sided Ties Not Tactical Revolution
- The Champions League round of 16 produced many goals largely because a few ties were one-sided, not because the competition has become uniformly more open.
- Michael Cox notes several ties were effectively decided early, so high aggregate scores reflect inequality between teams rather than a tactical shift.
Away Goals Rule Not Main Driver Of More Goals
- Away goals removal probably didn't cause the recent rise in Champions League goals; Michael Cox thinks the openness predated the rule change.
- He adds away goals did create drama but overall only one tie went to extra time, showing many knockout ties were decisive early.
Premier League's Depth Masks Weakness At The Top
- Several Premier League sides crashed out of the last 16, and Michael Cox argues the core issue is those top English teams simply haven't been playing to elite standards.
- He says the Premier League's competitiveness masks that its top clubs are not the best tactically or offensively this season.