Premier League names shortlist for January Manager of the Month
The Premier League has revealed a five-name shortlist for January's Manager of the Month award.
Every manager put up for the award has overseen an unbeaten month with their side, with attention now switching to the FA Cup fourth round for those left in the competition.
Perhaps the most obvious name on the shortlist is Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, who scooped the split award in November/December. The Gunners picked up seven points from a possible nine in January, most notably beating Manchester United 3-2 in a thrilling game at the Emirates Stadium.
Brighton have been equally impressive down on the south coast, also scooping seven points from a possible nine under Roberto De Zerbi. The highlights of their month were stunning wins over Everton and Liverpool by an aggregate score of 7-1.
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Nottingham Forest have pulled clear of the relegation zone after bagging eight points from a possible 12 in January. Steve Cooper's side picked up vital wins over fellow strugglers Leicester and Southampton, but perhaps most crucially didn't lose a single game.
Unai Emery led Aston Villa to ten points from a possible 12 - including a very important and impressive 2-0 win at Tottenham Hotspur - and Thomas Frank guided Brentford to seven points from a possible nine.
The most notable scalp for the Bees was a convincing win over Jurgen Klopp's struggling Liverpool at the GTech Community Stadium.