The hotly-contested action in the Premier League continued throughout September, as important points were up for grabs at both ends of the standings.
Pivotal clashes involved Man City and Arsenal, but it was Liverpool that surged to the top of the Premier League standings after recovering from a rare home defeat at the hands of Nottingham Forest.
But, which three managers and players stood out from the crowd in the month of September?
Top 3 Coaches
Enzo Maresca
Chelsea was ridiculed over the summer due to its excessive spending. Many claimed that the Blues’ scatter-gun approach wouldn’t achieve anything this term.
However, Enzo Maresca deserves huge credit for turning the tide back in Chelsea’s favor. Since defeat on the opening day, the Blues have gone six without defeat, and murmurs were gaining pace that they could mount a shock title challenge before their recent 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest.
Enzo Maresca talking about today’s game. pic.twitter.com/FqmBCP40dy
— Frank Khalid OBE (@FrankKhalidUK) October 6, 2024
Chelsea won three of their four league matches in September, scoring seven goals in back-to-back wins against West Ham and Brighton to enhance their Champions League aspirations.
Arne Slot
September started on a high point for Arne Slot’s Liverpool with a dominant 3-0 away success against Man United. However, the first shock of the campaign was the defeat after the international break against Nottingham Forest.
Huge credit must be given for their ability to turn their momentum back around, winning their last three in the league, and also claiming Champions League wins over AC Milan and Bologna.
Just realised we have to wait 2 weeks to see Arne Slot ball again….
— The Anfield Talk (@TheAnfieldTalk) October 5, 2024
Slot deserves a lot of credit for the way that he has completely changed Liverpool’s tactics, with a possession-based game being adopted this term. The Reds waited 30 years for a title, but there are early signs that a first Premier League success in Slot’s maiden campaign may not be too far wide of the mark.
Marco Silva
Fulham were one of the few sides to go through September without suffering defeat in the Premier League. The Cottagers took seven points from matches against West Ham, Newcastle, and Nottingham Forest.
Their recent overturn in form leaves them sitting seventh heading into the October international break, and with a very real chance of mounting a European push when play resumes.
i am convinced we’re about 2 signings away from breaking into the top 6, marco silva you my friend are a genius https://t.co/prEHe66kqm
— dazzer (@DazzerFFC) October 6, 2024
The progression made under Silva was evident at the Etihad on Saturday, as Fulham’s display in their 3-2 loss against Man City drew huge praise from Pep Guardiola.
Top 3 Players
Raul Jimenez
Sticking with the praise for Fulham, Raul Jimenez is a front-runner to be named Player of the Month for September. The Mexican international played a key part in the Cottagers’ unbeaten run during the month, scoring three goals in three appearances.
His penalty in Fulham’s victory over Nottingham Forest on matchday six saw him become just the second Mexican player to reach 50 goals in the Premier League.
Raul Jimenez’s assist for Andreas Pereira is a sight to behold 💫 pic.twitter.com/PcSKXJ20Vi
— Premier League (@premierleague) October 5, 2024
Jimenez’s form looks back at the height it once was at Wolves before a potentially career-threatening head injury against Arsenal. If he maintains his scoring run, the sky could be the limit for Fulham in 2024-25.
Ryan Gravenberch
Liverpool’s forward line typically gains the lion share of plaudits. However, midfielder Ryan Gravenberch’s emergence in the number six role has gone massively under the radar so far this term.
No player in the Premier League won possession more frequently than the Dutchman in September, as he played every minute in the competition as the Reds surged to the top of the league standings.
Ryan Gravenberch – Start to the Season pic.twitter.com/MMV5kdgjmg
— 𝑺𝒁𝒀 (@SzyFilmz) October 5, 2024
Gravenberch also completed the most passes by any player in the Premier League last month and won the sixth-most duels with 28 in the competition.
Dwight McNeil
Cole Palmer and Gabriel for Chelsea and Arsenal get honourable mentions, but our third selection is Dwight McNeil, who has been integral to the upturn in form enjoyed at the bottom of the standings by Everton.
No player in the Premier League has completed more key passes or through balls than Dwight McNeil this season.
With Sean Dyche deploying him as a number 10, McNeil is flourishing with more freedom when attacking. 🏴🔵#EFC pic.twitter.com/pryECwWKNK
— The Coaches’ Voice (@CoachesVoice) October 5, 2024
The winger was directly involved in four of Everton’s five goals last month, including a starring role with a goal and assist in an ultimate defeat against Aston Villa.
McNeil was the key player for the Toffees as they finally got their season off the ground with a first league win of the season against Crystal Palace, netting a brace in the come-from-behind success at Goodison Park.
