Rob Bridges
There were four matchdays in November which saw Tottenham lose ground in the title race. Meanwhile, their rivals were well represented in the team of the month.
November was another busy month of manager movements. Former West Ham player Slaven Bilić lost his position in charge of the Hammers after a 4-1 loss to Liverpool. David Moyes was given the opportunity to revive his reputation after a dismal few years.
Over on Merseyside, Everton made the long-awaited announcement of their new manager. The huge build-up culminated with the unveiling of Sam Allardyce to a rather underwhelmed fanbase.
Meanwhile down at West Brom, Tony Pulis’ reign as manager came to an end after nearly three years in charge. The sacking of Pulis left many West Brom fans excited for the future now that his shackles on the team had been lifted. However, those celebrations were somewhat curtailed when Alan Pardew was announced as the new manager.
The frantic activity continued on the pitch. November saw the first North London derby of the season, Chelsea met their match in Liverpool and Manchester City continued their unbeaten start to the season with a 100% win record.
November’s top goal scorer was Liverpool’s Mo Salah with a highly impressive seven goals in four games from out wide. On the other hand, Chelsea had the best defence conceding just one goal all month. That goal coincidentally was scored by Salah.
Goalkeeper – Thibaut Courtois (Chelsea)
The Chelsea stopper recently revealed he felt like the best ‘keeper in the world. His performances in November have backed up his claim. Courtois only allowed one goal in his net during the month and that came from the league’s top scorer Mo Salah.
Right Back – Davide Zappacosta (Chelsea)
The Italian put in a strong defensive performance in each of Chelsea’s four games in November. The right wingback is having a good debut season at the Blues and has been very important in Chelsea’s recent impressive defensive record.
Centre Back – Shkodran Mustafi (Arsenal)
Despite missing the Manchester City game, Mustafi has done enough to earn a place in the month’s best XI. In the three games that Mustafi did play he helped Arsenal to keep three clean sheets including the 2-0 win over rivals Tottenham. He also scored the second goal in the North London derby.
Centre Back – Andreas Christensen (Chelsea)
Chelsea’s young Danish centre back has finally been given a chance this season after two very successful seasons on loan at Borussia Mönchengladbach. The 21-year-old has done everything required of a quality Premier League centre back and was a key part of the month’s best defence.
Left Back – Ashley Young (Manchester United)
Ashley Young’s Manchester United career looked almost over not too long ago but he is looking as strong as ever at the moment. With two goals and two assists Young has been one of the surprises of November. United have looked stronger recently. His movement further up the pitch has compensated for Lukaku’s poor form.
Right Wing – Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Liverpool’s Mo Salah is unquestionably November’s play of the month. The right winger managed an impressive seven goals in four games which is three more than any other player in the league. Salah’s influence helped Liverpool to win three of their four games by a three-goal margin. In the other game he would’ve scored the winning goal against Chelsea if not for a late cross-cum-shot by Willian.
Centre Midfield – Kevin De Bruyne (Arsenal)
Manchester City won every game in November thanks in part to an impressive showing once again by Kevin De Bruyne. The Belgian scored three goals and assisted one in another good month for City. He was also involved in both goals in City’s dramatic game against Southampton.
Centre Midfield – Mesut Özil (Arsenal)
Mesut Özil has come in for much criticism this season but he looks to be getting back to his best with a strong showing in November from the assist king. Özil managed one goal and three assists in November. His best performance came in a 5-0 thrashing of Huddersfield where he got his goal and two of his assists.
Left Wing – Raheem Sterling (Manchester City)
The England striker has scored key goals at key times, including two very late winners this week alone to maintain City’s lead a team the top.
Striker – Gabriel Jesus (Manchester City)
Manchester City’s goals haven’t been as free-flowing in November as they were in previous months but Jesus has looked strong nevertheless. With two goals and two assists Jesus has been vital in City’s 100% win record in November.
Striker – Callum Wilson (Bournemouth)
Callum Wilson’s reintroduction in to the Bournemouth team has turned them around completely. Bournemouth collected seven points in November which makes it their best month yet. Wilson’s long injury layoff doesn’t seem to have done him much damage as he showed with an excellent hattrick against Huddersfield.