Shoot!’s Premier League Awards (January)

Photo: Charlotte Wilson

Despite finally falling to defeat in their first game of 2017, Chelsea look to be closing in on the Premier League title, and with no European football to distract them, nobody would bet against Antonio Conte’s men.

The battle for the UEFA Champions League spots remains tight with even in-form Everton potentially in a position to break through.

As predicted, this season has seen a return to the so-called bigger clubs dominating the league, with champions Leicester City failing to even score a league goal in January and falling towards the danger zone at the bottom of the standings.

Changes in managers have occurred, although without the desired effect for Crystal Palace as yet, although Swansea City’s decision to replace Bob Bradley with Paul Clement has had at least a short-term positive impact.

Here are Shoot!‘s Premier League Player, Manager and Goal of the Month for January…

Player of the Month: Dele Alli (Tottenham)

Five goals in five games in January for the Spurs midfielder has helped pushed the North London club up the table as they try to keep the pressure on runaway leaders Chelsea.

Alli’s performance and goals in the 2-0 win over Antonio Conte’s men capped a perfect start to 2017 for both Alli and his team following a 4-1 thrashing of Watford on New Year’s Day.

He may have been linked to Bayern Munich recently, but for now, the 20-year-old is key to Tottenham’s current progress.

Manager of the Month: Mauricio Pochettino (Tottenham)

Tottenham ended January ahead of local rivals Arsenal after getting through January unbeaten.

Pochettino’s men stopped Chelsea’s flying form with a superb 2-0 win at the start of the month, either side of putting four goals past Watford and West Brom respectively.

The run looked like it had ended when they were 2-0 down to Manchester City, but they showed remarkable resolve to fight back and force a 2-2 draw.

Whether they will catch Chelsea remains to be seen, but it certainly looks as though their new stadium will be housing Champions League football next season.

Goal of the Month: Olivier Giroud (ARSENAL v Crystal Palace)

The Arsenal forward kicked off his 2017 in spectacular fashion, netting a splendid scorpion goal in Arsenal’s 2-0 home victory over struggling Crystal Palace on New Year’s Day.

Take a bow Olivier!

Leave a Comment
Exit mobile version