Premier League Summary for February
Just like that, another month has passed in this memorable Premier League season.
February begun with Manchester United’s 9-0 demolition of Southampton, which equaled their own record from 1995 against Ipswich Town. Despite occasional blips, Solskjaer’s side were impressive throughout the month, keeping hold of their 2nd place spot.
It was a bad month for Liverpool and Southampton, who slipped even further down the table. As a result, it now looks unlikely that the Reds will qualify for next season’s Champions League, unless they can muster up some European magic this time round. Contrarily, Chelsea were the month’s most improved team as they reasserted themselves in the top four race.
At the bottom of the table, little changed in terms of positioning with Fulham, West Brom and Sheffield United still occupying the relegation spots.
Irrespectively, the month belonged to Manchester City, who recorded another perfect month with six wins out of six. Therefore, it may now need a miracle to prevent Pep Guardiola’s side from winning a third league title in four years.
With all that in mind, let us take a look at my monthly report for February.
Premier League Team of the Month
Goalkeeper: Alphonse Areola (Fulham)
Despite still lingering in 18th, Fulham’s defence has been steadfast this month. The Cottagers have only conceded three goals this month and Areola has played a key role in that. On loan from PSG, the Frenchman may be the different between survival or relegation for the Cottagers.
Notable mentions: Ederson, Emiliano Martinez
Defender: Luke Shaw (Manchester United)
The Englishman has been a man reborn this season, ever since Alex Telles’ arrival in the summer. Defensively, Shaw is sturdy and rarely makes mistakes. More impressively, however, is his offensive output, having recorded four assists last month. If he keeps up this form, he will be a shoo-in for Southgate’s starting lineup this summer.
Notable mentions: Aaron Cresswell, Antonio Rüdiger
Defender: Joachim Andersen (Fulham)
Fulham’s captain has been the crux of their aforementioned defensive prowess. It is pretty incredible that a side relegation has registered the league’s second best defence of the month. On top of that, he also assisted Ola Aina’s critical goal against Burnley.
Notable mentions: Ruben Dias, Lewis Dunk
Defender: Joao Cancelo (Manchester City)
After narrowly missing out on my January team of the month, Cancelo has warranted a place this time round. His ever-improving ability and extensive versatility make him a manager’s dream. The Portuguese international has undoubtedly been one of Manchester City’s players of the season.
Notable mentions: Craig Dawson, Kyle Bartley
Midfielder: Jesse Lingard (West Ham United)
Since arriving in East London, Lingard has rediscovered his best form. With three goals, including a winner against arch-rivals Tottenham, the Englishman has helped West Ham stay on course for an unlikely European spot.
Notable mentions: Harvey Barnes, Pedro Neto
Midfielder: İlkay Gündoğan (Manchester City)
Indeed, only one of two players from January’s team of the month, Gündoğan has maintained his excellent form. Braces against Liverpool and Tottenham helped the Citizens extend their lead at the top to 15 points. Could he become the second consecutive Manchester City midfielder to win the PFA Player of the Year?
Notable mentions: James Maddison, Takumi Minamino
Midfielder: Ruben Neves (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
Neves has played an instrumental part in Wolves’ league resurgence after a disappointing first half of the season. He provides a transitional link between defence and attack for Nuno Espirito Santo’s exciting side. Moreover, he scored three times and assisted once in a fruitful month for the midfielder.
Notable mentions: Declan Rice, Scott McTominay
Midfielder: Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
What a month for Manchester United’s Portuguese star. He recorded four goals and three assists – in fact his most prolific month yet. Game after game, he is United’s driving force and seems to win games all by himself. Without Fernandes, who knows where Solskjaer’s side would be?
Notable mentions: Mason Mount, Gylfi Sigurdsson
Midfielder: Raphina (Leeds United)
Impressive form this month has attracted interest across Europe ahead of this summer’s transfer window. He netted a sublime free-kick in Leeds’ impressive 3-0 win over Southampton on top of two further goal involvements throughout February. His pace, dribbling and raw talents make him a nightmare for defenders.
Notable mentions: Johann Berg Gudmundsson, Heung-Min Son
Forward: Raheem Sterling (Manchester City)
Despite regular criticism over his finishing, Sterling had a pretty prolific month after notching three goals and an assist, including the winner at Arsenal. Moreover, If he keeps up his current form, he could be a key player for England at the Euros this summer.
Notable mentions: Richarlison, Michail Antonio
Forward: Gareth Bale
It looked as though Bale’s fairytale return to Tottenham would have an unhappy ending, after recording just a single goal in his opening five months of the season. However, Bale’s rise in form has sparked a parallel resurgence in Spurs’ previously dwindling league campaign. Two goals and two assists have capped off a glittering month for the Welshman.
Notable mentions: Patrick Bamford, Ollie Watkins
Premier League Player of the Month
Bruno Fernandes
Statistically his best month yet. The impact Fernandes has on the Manchester United team is unrivalled across the league. If my prediction is correct, he will have acclaimed five Player of the Month awards in his opening year at the club. That is even more ridiculous when you remember that the Premier League record is seven.
Notable mentions: İlkay Gündoğan, Luke Shaw
Premier League Manager of the Month
Pep Guardiola
Despite being the obvious choice, it is pretty difficult to overlook a perfect month. Guardiola’s resurgent Manchester City also scored the more goals than any other team in February (19). Each and every game, it looks it looks progressively likelier that the title will be returning to the Ethiad once more.
Notable mentions: Thomas Tuchel, Brendan Rodgers
