January was a month of resurgence for many teams in the Premier League as they kicked off 2019 with some excellent form.
Manchester United are making an assault on the top four whilst Southampton and Burnley began to distance themselves from relegation. With so many outstanding performances over the month, it’s time to find out who made it into The Football Faithful Team of the Month.
Goalkeeper – Tom Heaton (Burnley)
Replacing Joe Hart in goal, Heaton has been crucial to Burnley’s recent upturn in form. With Heaton between the sticks the Clarets conceded just four goals in January. The result was two wins and two draws including a highly credible draw away to in-form Manchester United.
Right Back – Matt Doherty (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
The Irishman has been one of the stand out performers in Nuno Espirito Santo’s impressive Wolves side. Doherty has been instrumental in both attack and defence as the newly promoted side consolidated seventh place in the Premier League table.
Centre Back – Victor Lindelöf (Manchester United)
Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s appointment as manager has raised the performance levels of most United players but Victor Lindelöf is one of those to have benefited most. The Swede has been a rock at the back, conceding just three goals in January. He also managed to bag himself a goal in a 2-2 draw with Burnley.
Centre Back – Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal)
The return of Koscielny after a lengthy period on the side-lines with injury has reaped rewards for the Gunners. Arsenal won three of their four games in January conceding just three goals in the process. The Frenchman showed his best form as he helped his team to a 2-0 win over London rivals Chelsea managing to get himself on the scoresheet.
Left Back – José Holebas (Watford)
José Holebas has been one of the most creative defenders in the Premier League this season racking up seven assists in total and January was no different. The fullback laid on a goal for Craig Cathcart in a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace, although his assist against Spurs still left Watford powerless to avoid defeat.
Right Wing – James Ward-Prowse (Southampton)
James Ward-Prowse has been a revelation since Ralph Hassenhüttl took the helm at the Saints. The midfielder has been instrumental to his team’s excellent recent form as he notched up three goals in January, scoring in three of Southampton’s games.
Centre Midfield – João Moutinho (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
Moutinho had an outstanding January as he assisted four of Wolves’ seven goals. The veteran midfielder has put in some excellent performances as his play typified what a great all-round midfielder he is.
His passing range and vision are a perfect fit for Nuno Espírito Santo’s system.
Centre Midfield – Paul Pogba (Manchester United)
Paul Pogba looks a completely different player under Solskjær’s leadership. The Frenchman has thrived in a more advanced role scoring two goals in January as well as assisting another. Pogba at his best has been crucial to Manchester United’s resurgence as the Red Devils won three out of four games.
Left Wing – Leroy Sané (Manchester City)
With two goals and two assists in January, Sané has been one of City’s most influential players over the course of the month. The German put in a man of the match performance as he helped City to a 3-0 win over Huddersfield. His biggest contribution was undoubtedly the winning goal he scored over title rivals Liverpool though.
Striker – Marcus Rashford (Manchester United)
Rashford has been playing like the exciting dynamic forward United fans have yearned for since Solskjær took charge of the team. The Englishman scored in all three of United’s wins in January as well as assisting a goal against Newcastle.
Striker – Alexandre Lacazette (Arsenal)
Like Rashford, Alexandre Lacazette also scored in all three of his team’s wins in January. His goals helped Arsenal to a thumping 4-1 win over Fulham as well as a 2-0 win over London rivals, Chelsea. Lacazette has been highly influential in the Gunners’ season so far, contributing goals and assists in equal measure.