December 22, 2024
The two English premier league teams – Newscastle United and Manchester United had premature exits from the Champions League season, finishing last in their respective groups. Even though Newcastle was in a promising position with thirty-one minutes remaining, their hopes were dashed by AC Milan in the round-robin’s final match day. Newcastle lost 2-1. Conversely, United’s humiliating loss to Bayern Munich meant they were eliminated after just four games played.
For the first time ever, two Premier League teams placed last in their respective Champions League groups, setting an undesirable record for the league. Although other English teams, such as Manchester City (2012–13), United (2005–06), and Blackburn Rovers (1995–96), have all experienced the same fate on an individual basis in the past.
Kingsley Coman’s goal in the second half of the match and Copenhagen’s victory over Galatasaray in the other group match sealed United’s elimination. Newcastle, on the other hand, was doubly frustrated because their misfortune was ultimately attributed to a controversial penalty call in their draw with PSG. However, manager Eddie Howe declined to attribute their Champions League exit to just that incident.
He told TNT Sports: “I think it would be foolish for me to look back on that moment and start bringing up old stuff. We had the opportunity tonight to do what we needed to do but we didn’t take it. It’s not through a lack of effort.”
“We have a very stretched squad and those players are going again and again. I couldn’t be prouder of what they have given me physically and mentally. I don’t think we can have any regrets.”
“I think always you have to use disappointments and setbacks as motivation and a learning tool. It’s fuel for your fire to make sure we continue to achieve and we will go back to the Premier League now and try and do as well as we can and try and step up there.”
In the Champions League, Arsenal and Manchester City are the only two English teams left. But in the Europa League, where West Ham, Liverpool, and Brighton are competing in the tournament’s knockout stages, there is greater representation.
Aston Villa is operating in the Conference League in the interim. Howe cannot afford to take a break as they take on Fulham in the Premier League on Saturday. They also have an EFL Cup match at Stamford Bridge on December 20. Erik ten Hag, on the other hand, will be looking to lead his team to victory over fierce rivals Liverpool on Sunday at Anfield.
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