The Unexpected English

The Champions League restarts today and you might feel like something is missing...

That's right, both of the Manchester teams are out of the competition. It's a surprise to say the least because they've been the two strongest English teams this season. What's more is that Arsenal made it into the Knockout Phase, despite starting the season like this:

Losing Fabregas and Nasri killed Arsenal early in the season. The low point was the trip to Old Trafford, where United trashed Arsenal to the tune of 8-2. That was probably the worst game I've seen since the traveshamockery of last year's Champions League.

Chelsea has not been as good this season either. They've sucked at times. They've been great at times. They've been inconsistent all the time.  While they were considered contenders at the start of the season, the season itself has gone more like this:

They've had some great chances, but they've...well whatever you call missing a sitter. So it's a grand surprise to see Arsenal and Chelsea, the London Clubs, still in the Champions League, while the Manchester Clubs are sitting at home counting their money and not knowing what to do with it.

The Champions League is one of the most exciting competitions in the world. We kick back off today with Barcelona visiting Bayer Leverkusen and Lyon hosting Apoel Nicosia. If you want to skip out of work to have a midday pint, this is your excuse.