The Premier League has announced the shortlisted players and managers competing for its October 2026 Player and Manager of the Month awards, following an eventful run of fixtures across the English top flight.
Eight footballers have been nominated for the individual player honour, while six managers are in contention for the managerial prize.
Brighton midfielder Pascal Groß, who claimed September’s Player of the Month award, is absent from the latest shortlist, meaning a new winner will emerge. However, Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler has another opportunity to retain his managerial crown after guiding his side through another impressive month.
Premier League October Player of the Month Nominees
The eight players shortlisted for the October award are:
- Evanilson – Bournemouth
- Nicolas Jackson – Aston Villa
- Ezri Konsa – Arsenal
- Declan Rice – Arsenal
- Jack Rudoni – Coventry City
- Jan Paul van Hecke – Tottenham Hotspur
- Bart Verbruggen – Brighton & Hove Albion
- Luka Vušković – Brighton & Hove Albion
Owning October 💪
It’s time to vote for your @EASPORTSFC Player of the Month 👇
https://t.co/7fBNeUJafm https://t.co/bHU198Z5nu— Premier League (@premierleague) November 5, 2026
Bournemouth forward Evanilson enjoyed a productive October, registering four goals and an assist in four appearances. His contributions proved important as the Cherries picked up victories against Sunderland, Manchester United and Leeds United.
Aston Villa’s Nicolas Jackson also finished the month with four goals. The former Chelsea striker played a key role in his team’s impressive 2-1 victory over Manchester City before finding the net in draws against Brentford and Fulham.
Arsenal have two representatives on the list, with Ezri Konsa and Declan Rice earning recognition for their contributions during an excellent month for the Gunners. Konsa has been particularly impressive in defence, helping the team record two clean sheets in three matches while also scoring his first goal for the club. Rice, on the other hand, made his presence felt in attack with two important assists.
Coventry City’s Jack Rudoni also makes the shortlist after producing three goals during October. His performances helped the newly promoted side secure two victories from four matches as they continued their efforts to move further away from the relegation battle.
Tottenham defender Jan Paul van Hecke is another nominee following his impressive displays at the back. The Dutchman helped Spurs enjoy an unbeaten month, contributing to important victories over Coventry, Chelsea, and Crystal Palace. His influence was also evident in possession, as he recorded the highest number of attempted and completed passes among players during the month.
Brighton completes the player nominations with two representatives in goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen and defender Luka Vušković. The pair played their part in a strong defensive showing from the Seagulls, who managed three clean sheets across four October fixtures.
View this post on Instagram
Premier League October Manager of the Month Nominees
Six managers have been shortlisted for the October managerial award:
- Xabi Alonso – Chelsea
- Mikel Arteta – Arsenal
- Roberto De Zerbi – Tottenham Hotspur
- Unai Emery – Aston Villa
- Fabian Hürzeler – Brighton & Hove Albion
- Marco Rose – Bournemouth
Six nominees, one winner ☝️
Get voting now for the @Barclays Manager of the Month 👔
🔗: https://t.co/JKkXlInBHo https://t.co/sqsrTxoJHQ
— Premier League (@premierleague) November 5, 2026
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso makes the list after his team found the net nine times during October, more than any other Premier League side. Victories over Bournemouth, Everton and Manchester United helped maintain their momentum, despite a defeat against Tottenham.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is also among the contenders after guiding his side to three consecutive league victories against Leeds United, Nottingham Forest and Everton. The results strengthened the Gunners’ position at the top of the table, with contributions from players coming off the bench proving decisive in several matches.
Roberto De Zerbi earned his nomination after overseeing an impressive turnaround at Tottenham. Three successive victories towards the end of the month, including an important result against Chelsea, helped restore confidence around the club.
Unai Emery also enjoyed a memorable October with Aston Villa. His side remained unbeaten throughout the month and recorded a significant 2-1 victory over Manchester City, bringing the champions’ perfect start to an end. His impressive work also reportedly attracted interest from Manchester United, while discussions over a new contract gathered attention.
Defending winner Fabian Hürzeler will be hoping to secure the award for a second consecutive month after another positive spell with Brighton. The Seagulls recorded impressive results, including a 1-0 away victory over Chelsea, adding to their strong performances against Manchester City.
Bournemouth manager Marco Rose completes the shortlist after overseeing his first three victories since taking charge of the club in the summer. His team responded positively following a heavy opening defeat to Chelsea in October, recording three consecutive clean sheets in the process.
With several standout performances and impressive managerial displays across the month, the race for both October awards promises to be competitive.
View this post on Instagram