Mohamed Salah of Liverpool and Declan Rice of Arsenal are among six nominees for October’s Premier League Player of the Month award.
This is Salah’s second POTM nomination in a row after scoring in each of his three league appearances for the Reds, netting five goals in total.
The Egyptian forward began the month of October by scoring a brace in a 2-2 draw at Brighton & Hove Albion, before netting both goals in Liverpool’s 2-0 home triumph over Merseyside rivals Everton.
Salah then found the net in a 3-0 win against Nottingham Forest last weekend, increasing his goal tally in this season’s Premier League to eight in 10 games and helping Jurgen Klopp’s side climb into the top four.
Meanwhile, Arsenal’s record signing Rice is in contention to win his first-ever divisional award having been recognised for his influential displays in midfield, playing in all but one minute of the Gunners’ three top-flight games in October.
The England international played a key role in Arsenal’s narrow 1-0 home victory over reigning Premier League champions Manchester City, before scoring a stunning long-range goal to help Mikel Arteta’s side rescue a 2-2 draw at London rivals Chelsea.
Rice then provided an assist for the opening goal scored by hat-trick hero Eddie Nketiah in Arsenal’s thumping 5-0 win over Sheffield United at the Emirates Stadium last weekend.
Another midfielder who enjoyed an impressive stint in October was Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz, who has received a monthly nomination after contributing with two goals and one assist to help Unai Emery’s men claim seven points across three Premier League matches.
The Brazilian netted twice in Villa’s 4-1 win over West Ham United, becoming the first Lions player to score in six successive Premier League home games, before setting up the opening goal scored by John McGinn in last weekend’s 3-1 victory against Luton Town.
Another player who made a significant contribution in the final third in October was Brentford’s Bryan Mbuemo, who has been nominated for the POTM award after scoring two goals and registering two assists across four matches.
The French attacker set up Yoane Wissa before netted a stunning curling strike in Brentford’s comfortable 3-0 home win over Burnley, and he then scored and assisted again to help the Bees claim a statement 2-0 victory against Chelsea and become the first Premier League team to win their first three visits to Stamford Bridge.
The Premier League’s leading assister of the 2023-24 campaign is Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Pedro Neto, and the Portuguese is another up for October’s monthly award after setting up three goals in as many games to increase his overall assist tally for the season to seven.
Neto’s creative contributions helped Wolves claimed five points across three games, with a 2-1 win over Bournemouth taking place in between score draws with Aston Villa and Newcastle United.
Last but certainly not least, Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Cristian Romero has made the six-man shortlist after enjoying a stellar month at the heart of the defence for Ange Postecoglou’s side.
The Argentine helped Spurs win all three games in October against Luton, Fulham and Crystal Palace, keeping two clean sheets in the process, to help the Lilywhites move two points clear at the top of the table.
Supporters have until 12.00pm on Monday to select their Player of the Month for October, and the public votes will be combined with those of a panel of football experts to decide the winner.
2023-24 PREMIER LEAGUE POTM NOMINEES FOR OCTOBER:
Declan Rice (Arsenal)
Douglas Luiz (Aston Villa)
Bryan Mbuemo (Brentford)
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Cristian Romero (Tottenham)
Pedro Neto (Wolves)
