Top players this weekend will be tired many having played three internationals over the international break.

The game between Leeds United and Manchester City was better viewing. Tactically speaking as well as for the thrill, in the meeting between two top managerial brains in football there was a lot to enjoy.

A top European football club, with the riches of the modern game at their disposal, may buy all the talent it can but without a leader, whether it is on the pitch or off it, it has little chance of success.

There seem to be two main problems at United. One is the lack of patience of the management and the lack of astute signings is the second problem.

Whether it is Chelsea, Manchester City, or even Manchester United, Liverpool will have challengers.

The good news for the moment is games begin this weekend.

It is easy to continue to support a team if they continue to win trophies.

There is no certainty how this season will pan out.

In the 28 years since the Premier League was established from the old First Division in the England, English teams have won the Champions League a sum total of five times – Manchester United twice, Liverpool twice and Chelsea once.

A mid-table Championship team, Leeds United had seen glory days in the Premier League era.

This was the third meeting between Arsenal and Chelsea in the FA Cup this century.

For a team with such rich traditions no fan of football, no matter which team one supports can begrudge Liverpool their hour of glory.

The big four secured Champions League and, come to think of it, except for Liverpool’s glory it was business as usual.