Premier League: Inside the numbers

Andre Villas-Boas shared an identical record to that of Manchester City manager's first 20 matches in charge. The Italian should be grateful for having an owner who shared his long-term vision. Play the percentages

Roberto Mancini, like the rest of the management fraternity, probably feels some sympathy with Andre Villas-Boas, who was dismissed by the Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich on Sunday after less than nine months in charge.

Despite being only three points off a Champions League spot, the Portuguese was given his marching orders after 38 games, the 1-0 loss to West Bromwich Albion on Saturday the final straw.

Mancini may also be thankful for an owner in Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed who was willing to share in his long-term vision for Manchester City, particularly when you compare the Italian's first 20 games to Villas-Boas's record over the same period.

Their records are identical: both won 11 games, a win ratio of 55 per cent, while losing five.

First 20 games (include league, cup and Europe)
Team              P   W   D   L   GD
Villas-Boas   20   11   4   5   21
Mancini          20   11   4   5   6

In Wenger we trust

Despite some dissenting voices from the terraces this season, it is hard to imagine Arsene Wenger not reaching his 16-year milestone in September as manager of Arsenal.

During his 15 years in charge of the Gunners, the Frenchman has seen off 10 different Chelsea coaches, securing five Premier League titles and four FA Cups.

There is a lot to be said for continuity and trusting a manger. Abramovich take note.

No bench warmer
Jermain Defoe's strike against Manchester United on Sunday extended his own Premier League record of scoring from the bench, with the Tottenham striker's tally now at 19.

Super-subs
Player                         Goals
Jermain Defoe                   19
Kanu                                   17
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer       17
Robbie Keane                   13
Andrew Cole                       13
Tore Andre Flo                   13