As European competitions reach their final stretch, former England striker Clive Allen joined Paul Coyte in an exclusive video for GB News members, offering insights into Arsenal’s Champions League battle and the high-stakes Europa League ties involving Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United.
Reflecting on the Champions League semi-final first legs, Allen praised the extraordinary standard of football on show, highlighting Barcelona’s thrilling contest with Inter Milan.
“It could’ve ended up 10–3,” Allen said. “Really, really impressed with the way Barcelona played.”
The conversation turned quickly to Arsenal, who lost to Paris Saint-Germain in their first leg. Coyte noted PSG’s early dominance and suggested the French side looked more united than in previous years.
“They’re more of a team than they’ve ever been before,” Coyte said. “It used to be about getting Messi, Neymar... throwing money at it.”
Allen agreed: “The philosophy has changed. They’ve moved the ball really well and losing the big names seems to have galvanised the group.”
'Everything rides on tonight!' - Paul Coyte & Clive Allen preview Europa League semi-finals
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Still, both Coyte and Allen felt Arsenal were far from out of the tie. “For me, it’s still in the balance,” Allen insisted. “Set pieces will be absolutely vital. If Arsenal are in it late on, I think they can win it.”
Coyte pressed Allen on what advice he’d offer Mikel Arteta ahead of the decisive second leg in Paris. “Would you go for it right away, or keep it tight and grow into the game?” he asked.
“I think they’ll start positively,” Allen replied. “They know they’ve got to get a goal - and I think they’re capable of that. If they keep it tight, I see them sneaking through.”
Attention then turned to the Europa League, with Tottenham Hotspur hosting Bodø/Glimt.
“It’s everything for this season and next,” Clive said. “If they win the Europa League and qualify for the Champions League, everything changes. If they don’t - I really don’t know what happens next.”
Bodo, Coyte noted, are missing players but remain dangerous at home on a plastic pitch. Allen agreed:
“Spurs need a victory tonight - for confidence, morale, and momentum. They can’t underestimate this team.”
Manchester United's European pedigree could carry them through a tough semi-final tie.
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Coyte also raised a peculiar trend in Spurs history: managers bowing out after UEFA Cup finals - Burkinshaw in 1984, Nicholson in 1974. “There’s something eerie about it,” he joked.
Allen said “We’ve got to focus on the opportunity tonight. The crowd will be electric. If they put in a proper performance, they’ll get a favourable result.”
The discussion closed with a look at Manchester United, who face a stern test in Bilbao. Allen drew strong comparisons to Spurs, with both clubs needing European success to salvage difficult domestic seasons.
“They need Champions League football. It changes the outlook on the manager, the finances, everything,” he said. “Their tie is probably the tougher one - but United’s pedigree might just carry them through.”
Coyte summed up what many fans are hoping for: “Imagine it - Spurs vs Manchester United in the final, in Bilbao. What a trip that would be.”
Allen smiled. “Let’s just get through tonight first.”
