Crystal Palace were highlighted as part of English football’s recent success in Europe during a Guardian Football Q&A ahead of the Premier League’s return.
Asked about the strength of the English game, football writer Ed Aarons noted that Arsenal, Aston Villa and Palace had all reached finals last year. His comments placed Palace alongside two other English clubs while discussing the Premier League’s influence on the wider European landscape.
Aarons also argued that the Premier League remains the strongest competition overall, pointing to the financial power of its clubs and their ability to attract and develop high-level players. He added that results at the start of this season had shown how closely matched the competition can be, with any team capable of beating another.
The discussion came after an international break dominated by the Manchester City verdict, with the Premier League scheduled to resume on Saturday. Aarons also observed that many teams are adopting more direct football, pressing higher up the pitch and taking greater risks in possession.
