Is Pep’s search for perfection realistic?
Arsenal were knocked off their perch, temporarily at least, at the top of the Premier League for the first time since September when Manchester City beat West Ham 3-0 on Saturday. But that is not enough for perfectionist Pep. He has never been a win-by-any-means manager. Performance matters.
The heat is certainly on the Gunners with Man City on a five-game winning streak in the league, scoring 18 times in the process, but Guardiola likes to analyse each game in intricate detail and he saw plenty that frustrated him. He referenced November’s Leeds result post-match, likening the situation after half time to that game.
Last month, City conceded twice to Leeds shortly after half-time before nicking a late winner. On this occasion, they conceded chances but crucially not goals, needing three saves from Gianluigi Donnarumma. Against better finishers, perhaps the outcome would have been different.
No observer of City this season believes them to be the finished article, least of all Pep. His demand for more control is probably fair, yet the graphic above will tell you how little ground they actually conceded.
As the fight for Christmas No 1 reaches its climax, Pep’s post-match declarations calling for ‘more bravery’ seemed to be a message to Arsenal: We will be better. And it can’t hurt to keep his players grounded either. They have yet to put together what Pep would describe as a complete performance, but there’s no doubt they are getting closer. Arsenal will be all too aware of that fact.
Laura Hunter
Fragile Liverpool survive scare as they try to rebuild
The damage of Liverpool’s nine defeats in 12 games is still being felt. This wretched run has hit confidence at the club, evident in nerve-jangling, chaotic finishes to games at Leeds and now Tottenham.
The Reds were in complete control, 2-0 up against ten men. They almost contrived to draw against nine.
Slot is insistent, though, that he saw signs in the majority of Liverpool’s performance in north London that they are refinding the form they are aiming for. That’s three wins in a row now, with fifth place in the Premier League, trailing Chelsea in fourth only on goal difference.
Peter Smith
A step in the right direction for Gyokeres?
A lot of the pre-match talk surrounded what’s next for Viktor Gyokeres. This latest outing against Everton, where he scored a first-half penalty that won the game, was more of a step in the right direction.
Gyokeres is beginning to connect better with his teammates, evidenced by his goal and assist tally.
Sam Blitz
Chelsea going in the right direction after Maresca’s ‘good week’
Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea, despite a poor first half at St James’ Park, managed to earn a point against Newcastle with a strong second-half display.
Rich Morgan
Taxing schedule taking its toll on Palace
Crystal Palace’s inconsistency following their European commitments is evident, with only one win after eight games. Their lack of time on the training pitch is impacting their performances.
William Bitibiri
England’s No 9, England’s, England’s No 9?
Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s resurgence makes him a potential contender for England’s World Cup squad next summer, showcasing his scoring ability and form.
Ron Walker
Semenyo shines amid transfer rumours
Antoine Semenyo’s performance against Burnley signals his growing significance to Bournemouth, particularly as the January transfer window approaches.
Charlotte Marsh
Wolves are a historically bad team
Wolves are currently enduring a record-breaking poor season, having the fewest points after 17 games in history. This disappointing phase continues to frustrate supporters.
Adam Bate
Ballard is Premier League quality
Dan Ballard is thriving in the Premier League, significantly impacting Sunderland’s defensive strength with his performances.
Lewis Jones
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