Where Would PSG and Bayern Finish in the Premier League After Last Week’s Clash?

Would PSG Win the Premier League?

Paris Saint-Germain boast arguably Europe’s finest attack right now. Their forward combination of Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue is likely unparalleled by any of the top Premier League teams.

While Bayern’s attack is also extremely strong, PSG’s defence was repeatedly shown up in the encounter on Tuesday. It’s likely that Erling Haaland would find plenty of opportunities there, along with several other teams with excellent attacking players. Over the course of a season, a leaky defence can cost a title.

However, it’s certain that PSG would be contenders if they played in the PL. The team has the quality and cohesion to beat any English side.

Would Bayern Munich Win the Premier League?

Bayern Munich are one of the most relentless forces in European football. It’s considered a major surprise when another German team wins the title - this even applies to stunning teams like Xabi Alonso’s “Invincible” Leverkusen side, or Jurgen Klopp’s legendary Borussia Dortmund sides. Of course, it could be argued that one of Bayern’s most devastating tactics is to simply buy all their closest rivals’ best players (Klopp certainly would say this). However, the team cannot be underestimated.

Bayern’s consistent strength, and ability to produce results at a national and European level, is incredible. Munich also likes to field battle-hardened teams, which would put them in a good position to compete with the more physical sides in the Premier League. Finally, Vincent Kompany’s long years of experience in the English top flight may prove invaluable if Munich were to go a full season in the PL.

Comparing the Premier League to Other Top European Leagues

Bayern Munich and PSG are each accustomed to winning their own leagues. However, a frequent observation made by English fans is that the Premier League is more physical and overall more competitive than Ligue 1 or the German Bundesliga. The somewhat derisive term “Farmer’s League” is applied to Ligue 1 in particular, where PSG have won all but two titles since 2012-13.

Is this a fair comment?

Premier League vs Ligue 1

First, it’s worth noting that the Premier League has 4 more games per season than Ligue 1. There is also only one domestic cup, the Coupe de France, compared to the duo of the FA Cup and the League Cup in English football. This creates a heavier fixture list in English football.

Ligue 1 also has a winter break, while English teams play without a significant pause throughout the season. It’s often observed that this may cause a higher number of injuries in the Premier League.

Finally, it is clear that the standard of the strongest teams (PSG aside) is far higher in the Premier League than in Ligue 1. It’s fairly rare for other French teams to progress beyond the earliest stage of the Champions League, while we typically see at least 2-3 English teams progressing to the knockout stages.

Premier League vs Bundesliga

The Bundesliga has all the same structural advantages over the EPL as Ligue 1: fewer games, only one cup, plus a winter break. However, its top teams tend to be stronger, with Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund both contending at the highest level in the last decade. It could certainly be said that Bayern face a harsher annual test to maintain their dominance than PSG and may find the Premier League less of a step up.

EPL vs European Football Style and Refereeing

Finally, every English football fan’s favourite complaint about football on the continent is the refereeing, which is perceived to be permissive of diving and dramatics. The well-worn phrase “could Messi do it on a rainy night in Stoke” is a joking reference to English football’s reputation as tougher, less forgiving, and less glamorous.

While this is often exaggerated, it is likely that there would be something of a culture shock, especially for the high-flyers of PSG, if they transferred to the Premier League.

One Thing We Know: Everyone Would Love to See More Games Like That in the Premier League

If adding Bayern Munich and PSG to the Premier League resulted in more games like that stunning 5-4 we saw on Tuesday, I can guarantee that English fans would welcome them with open arms. For now, the question is - if Arsenal come up against this firepower in the Champions League, can they hold out?