The final month of 2024 saw 63 games, 189 goals and the appointment of two new managers in the Premier League.
Amid this blur of festive football, the powers that be in the Premier League have managed to ax eight nominees for the Player of the Month award and four candidates for its managerial equivalent. Liverpool duo Mohamed Salah and Arne Slot took home these awards in November and are in contention once again.
However, the rest of the division – and another figure from within the Merseyside giants – can claim the latest round of individual silverware.
No player can match Alexander IsaacHe scored a prolific 8 goals in the Premier League in December. The rubbery Swede scored in all six of Newcastle United's matches last month and bagged the first hat-trick of his England career. Against Ipswich Town On the last weekend before Christmas. No wonder the magpie Its value is 150 million pounds sterling.
He has been Isaac's underrated partner in crime throughout this goalscoring explosion Jacob Murphy. The little-known Norwich City academy graduate scored three goals for Isaac during this run and netted three himself. Only one player has provided more assists than Murphy – Mohamed Salah.
Liverpool's relentless talisman has balanced his tally of seven assists with as many goals. Much like his fellow nominee Trent Alexander ArnoldSalah's uncertain contractual situation at Liverpool did not affect his performance on the field.
Chelsea have ensured that Cole Palmer It's not going anywhere. The Blues have linked the talented playmaker to… New nine-year deal Over the summer I watched him carelessly wander through another impressive campaign. Despite the team's decline in form – Chelsea finished December with one point from three games – Palmer was at his best.
Chief Creative Officer of Nottingham Forest Morgan Gibbs White He also received recognition for his performances in December, but glory doesn't just go to attack-minded players. Bournemouth centre-back Dean Howesen And the flying full-back for Fulham Anthony Robinson They were also nominated.
Liverpool also advanced Top of the Premier League remains healthy by six points, Arnie slot He is an obvious candidate to retain his managerial award. but, Nuno Espirito SantoNottingham Forest had a better side than the Reds in December, topping the festive period table with 15 points from six matches.
Five successive wins at the end of the year lifted Forest to a high of second place – their highest position late in a top-flight season since 1994. And, being a realist, Nuno crushed any early dreams of success. UEFA Champions League Qualifying by insisting: “This doesn't mean anything. We haven't achieved anything yet.”
Unlike Forest, who lost to Manchester City (a rarity these days), Andoni AirolaBournemouth remained unbeaten throughout December. The Cherries suffered three draws, but their solid football was impressive Defeat of Manchester United The Spanish manager has had his moment in the spotlight.
Eddie Howe He completed the trio of Newcastle candidates this month. On top of securing qualification for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, the Magpies boss has guided his side to four successive league victories without conceding a goal – the latest of which was the club's third goal. Winning the Premier League at Old Trafford Since 1950.
