According to the Premier League's official website, the nominees for the December 2022 Player of the Month award are Dan Burn (Newcastle), Brennan Johnson (Nottingham Forest), Riyad Mahrez (Manchester City), Solly March (Brighton), David Raya (Brentford), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United) and Bukayo Saka (Arsenal). Voting is open until January 30, with fans' votes combined with the opinions of a panel of football experts to determine the winner, who will be announced the following week.
Halfway through the Premier League season, Arsenal currently sit at the top of the table with 50 points from 19 matches. Manchester City sit in second place with 45 points from 20 matches, while Newcastle United sit in third position with 39 points after 20 matches.
The title race appears to be wide open, with Arsenal holding a slender five-point lead over defending champions Manchester City. Mikel Arteta's young Gunners have been the surprise package so far, playing dynamic, progressive football that has earned them plenty of praise. Summer signings Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko have slotted in seamlessly, bringing added quality and experience to complement the existing talents of Saka, Martin Odegaard and William Saliba.
Manchester City, meanwhile, have uncharacteristically dropped points on a few occasions, with Erling Haaland's injury early in the campaign contributing to their relative struggles. Pep Guardiola will be determined to guide his side to a third successive league title, but they will face a stiff challenge from an Arsenal side brimming with confidence and youthful exuberance.
Further down the table, Newcastle United have emerged as genuine top-four contenders under the astute management of Eddie Howe. The Magpies have become a formidable opponent thanks to their impressive recruitment and tactical acumen, with the likes of Kieran Trippier, Bruno Guimarães and Alexander Isak all making a strong impression.
Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea are also in the running for European qualification. Each of them have had their ups and downs in the first half of the season. Erik ten Hag's arrival at Old Trafford has brought a much-needed sense of direction and purpose, while Antonio Conte and Graham Potter will be hoping to lead their respective teams to the Champions League places at the end of the campaign.
The race for the top four promises to be a fiercely contested one, with several teams possessing the quality and ambition to secure a coveted place in Europe’s premier club competition. As the second half of the season unfolds, fans can look forward to a thrilling finale to the 4/2022 Premier League campaign.
