Arsene Wenger: Why English clubs are struggling so badly in Europe

Chelsea lost 2-1 to Porto on Wednesday night

ARSENE WENGER says Premier League clubs are struggling in Europe because of their perceived "superiority".

 

Arsenal have lost two games in the Champions League this season, while Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City have also suffered defeats.

Both Liverpool and Tottenham were held to 1-1 draws in the Europa League last night as English clubs continue to struggle against continental opponents.And Wenger believes that clubs are happy to sit back against Premier League opponents and simply attack on the break - a tactic that seems to be working.

"I believe that what has changed is that we play against teams in Europe who accept the superiority of English teams and just try to defend and catch them on the break," he said.

 

"It happens in football that you can lose games like that, a bit like when you play in a cup game against a Championship team and lose.

"You accept at the start that you will have the ball and they will try to defend. That has happened to us."

Arsenal face Manchester United in the Premier League this weekend, having lost their previous clash at the Emirates 2-1 to the Red Devils.

 

Brendan Rodgers' Liverpool side drew 101 with FC Sion last night

 

PSV edged Manchester United in their opening Champions League clash

 

Juventus beat Manchester City in the Champions League last month

 



Olympiakos beat Arsenal 3-2 in midweek



United are on a four-game winning streak, while the Gunners have lost three of their last five outings.

As for Chelsea, their 2-1 defeat at Porto in midweek means manager Jose Mourinho is likely to change his XI around for the visit of Southampton tomorrow.

Liverpool travel to Everton for Sunday's Merseyside derby, while Spurs play Swansea on the same day and City will seek to reclaim top spot in the Premier League with a home clash with Newcastle.