For much of last season this was a question that was being asked by a great many football supporters and media pundits, until Chelsea's unlikely triumph in the final silenced much of the discussion. However, although it may seem strange to still be considering this point at the end of a season in which an English team ended up winning the trophy, it can also be argued that the backs to the wall heroics by Chelsea papered over the cracks of another disappointing Champions League campaign by the English clubs. Certainly, betting on any of them with sites like bwinbetting seems a riskier proposition than it would have done just a few seasons ago. Then, with their vastly superior spending power enabling them to attract the cream of playing talent from across the world, English teams seemed set to be the lords of this tournament. However, there is no question that the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea have seemed diminished recently, meaning the question is not irrelevant. United got to the final two seasons ago, but they were outclassed by Barcelona, and there has been little since then to suggest that they can close that gap. They are held back by the massive debts accumulated by the Glazer family, and with this handicap, it is hard to see them regaining their former power. However it is far from being all gloom for English clubs. Manchester City were disappointing last year, but they were primarily focused on winning their first league title in forty years. This coming season, with further investment and a real commitment to the tournament, there is no reason to think that they cannot be competitive in it. Arsenal seem less likely candidates, as they are already struggling to keep pace in England -- and appear set to lose star striker Robin Van Persie in the summer. Chelsea may have a chance of competing, depending on how easily they navigate a transitional phase that they have neglected for too long. Ultimately, English clubs are unlikely to dominate in the Champions League, but Manchester City at least offer them a chance of a competitive presence.