The most impressive of the quartet in my view has been Manchester City.
Their group looked pretty tricky at first sight but they have made it seem fairly straightforward, despite losing to Juventus on matchday one. The way they are playing at the moment, I would expect them to top the group and make an impact in the knockout stages.
If Sergio Aguero can stay fit then City can match the best in Europe when it comes to firepower.
The late goal Willian scored for Chelsea against Dynamo Kiev in the previous match was absolutely priceless. Without that I don’t think they would have a chance of qualification.
They should now have enough to progress but probably won’t win the group — meaning a tougher tie in the first knockout stage.
Will Chelsea find a winning formula and rediscover their mojo? Or will they just be ripe for the picking? They have the ability in the dressing room but can they make it happen on the pitch? Who knows.
Dividends
I’ve been impressed with the way Manchester United have gone about their business. Manager Louis Van Gaal gets heavily criticised about the possession-based style of play he favours, but it is well-suited to the Champions League.
They’ve dominated possession in what could have been some difficult games and that could pay dividends in terms of progressing deeper in the competition. OK, they’ve not got the firepower of City but what I would bank on is Van Gaal finding a way to make the team more effective in the final third.
As for Arsenal I just can’t see a way they can qualify. Wenger’s decision-making on team selection has been poor and they have left themselves too much to do. If you look at the make-up of their team it’s clear they have been exposed defensively and don’t have the strength in key positions. Individual errors have cost them dearly.
Some argue it could be a bonus for Arsenal in terms of a title challenge if they get knocked out of Europe, but I’m not entirely convinced. I think we sometimes get swayed by managers complaining about the number of games. Most players you speak to want to play in the top European matches alongside the Premier League at the weekend.
Being involved in those big games is what players pull their boots on for.