Pep Guardiola’s comments over Kalvin Phillips’ fitness set tongues wagging — and I believe the criticism aimed at the Manchester City boss has been ridiculous.
A coach’s job is to know how to motivate their player. So, regardless of what Pep actually thinks about Kalvin’s situation, his job is just to get a positive reaction from him.
Many have spoken negatively on how Pep has dealt with it but while I appreciate some wouldn’t enjoy that kind of treatment, others may actually need it.
Public accountability can get the best out of certain personalities and Pep has handled it in what he considers to be the most effective manner for his player.
What I find interesting is, when the Spaniard does it, he gets criticised. Yet when Erik ten Hag talked about Jadon Sancho not being physically or mentally fit, it’s considered ‘refreshing’.
How can that be the case? Arguably, Sancho’s situation is even more sensitive given his issue is described as being mental as well as physical.
My complaint is not so much with the coaches speaking out, though — more so the consistency of the public response.
In United’s case, perhaps the club need to start taking a bit more responsibility themselves.
After all, Sancho is not the first to have his mentality questioned. It happened to Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcus Rashford, too.
Perhaps that isn’t a coincidence and there’s a deeper issue at hand which needs addressing, rather than just constantly blaming the players.
Gunning for glory
After their fantastic comeback victory against West Ham, Arsenal really are starting to have the look of potential champions.
Mikel Arteta’s men face another stern test at in-form Brighton on Saturday evening but the manner of their Boxing Day win makes me think they will be up to the job.
Earlier this week, I expressed my concerns over the absence of Gabriel Jesus, with Eddie Nketiah having huge shoes to fill — but boy did he step up.
Not only did he score a fantastic goal but his general play and the way he executed what was being demanded of him was so impressive.
It may sound a bit strange given my Manchester City connections but I was delighted to see the Gunners win with Nketiah at the heart of things.
If they had slipped up, all the headlines would’ve been about how they missed Jesus. Now, the youngster can get his head down and really make the most of a run in the side.
When you lose key players, other individuals must step up and Bukayo Saka continues to deliver the goods.
The England winger is a real leader despite his tender age and seems to be enjoying the raised expectations and high pressure. That is the sign of a top-class professional.
Hitting the right Toon
Elsewhere, Newcastle will look to make it seven straight Premier League wins at home to Leeds.
It’s still a little early to be putting the Magpies in the title picture for me, though I think a couple of wins in the next few days could change that.
You would expect them to have too much for the Whites on current form, before a huge clash with Arsenal awaits on Tuesday.
Whatever your aim is — be it qualifying for Europe or winning the title — beating the teams around you is absolutely essential.
The way they took apart Leicester showed how far they’ve progressed under Eddie Howe, with a lot of the stars of that game being long-term members of the squad.
Even though we all know Newcastle have money to spend in January, should they wish to do so, I can’t see Howe demanding reinforcements.
His squad are giving their all for each other and I reckon the boss will be keen to give his current crop the opportunity to go forward together and finish what they’ve started.
Let’s take a look at 2022’s final set of predictions!