The British contingent made remarkably smooth progress to the knockout phase of the Champions League, but Chelsea remain my favourites for outright success.
Chelsea's squad has the strength and depth to bring club football's most coveted prize back to Stamford Bridge.
Manchester United have looked formidable in the Premiership but may yet be found wanting in the latter stages of the Champions League.
The furore that surrounded the Porto v Arsenal clash was blown out of all proportion. Pundits were accused of giving both teams an easy ride, but the draw that both sides so desperately wanted was never a forgone conclusion.
Porto hit the post twice during a period of sustained pressure, much to the chagrin of the game's conspiracy theorists.
When both clubs needed a point, it was both inevitable and understandable that the players would settle for a stalemate with the game delicately poised at 0-0 going into the final 15 minutes. That doesn't, however, suggest foul play. When you're involved in a mini-league, be it in international football or the club game, such games – and results are inescapable.
Alan Curbishley's appointment as West Ham boss should prove a shrewd move for the Hammers. The Addicks have floundered since his departure, and a good run with the Upton Park outfit could prove the final nail in Charlton's coffin.
Alan Pardew can think himself unlucky to lose his job after serving the club so well over the past two seasons, but it's a ruthless game these days.
Curbishley had a great record at the Valley with limited resources and it will be interesting to see how he fares with better players and a bigger transfer budget.
Manchester United moved further clear in the Premiership following Arsenal's fortuitous draw on Sunday at the Bridge, but I believe Chelsea will claw back the Red Devils advantage.
The bookies can't split the sides (10/11 each of the two), but Alex Ferguson's charges have to travel to Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal after Christmas – stern assignments in the second half of the season.
United's lead has been forged on shaky foundations, with too much depending on the form and fitness of Ryan Giggs, Louis Saha, Paul Scholes and the prodigious Wayne Rooney.
An injury crisis at Old Trafford would prove fatal to their title aspirations in a way it wouldn’t at Stamford Bridge or even the Emirates Stadium.
Injuries take their toll and United have nothing on the bench, while Roman Abramovich's millions have ensured Chelsea possess a wealth of untapped talent lying in reserve.
Eamon Dunphy was in conversation with RTÉ Publishing's Barry McEneaney.
