The final month of 2024 saw 63 games, 189 goals and the appointment of two new Premier League managers.
Amid that flurry of festive football, the powers that be in England's top flight managed to narrow down eight nominees for Player of the Month and four candidates for the manager's equivalent. The Liverpool duo of Mohamed Salah and Arne Slot were presented with these awards in November and are in the running again.
However, the rest of the division – and another figure from the Merseyside giants – can stake their claim for last game individual honours.
No player can match Alexander IsakProlific tally of eight Premier League goals in December. The rubber Swede scored in all six of Newcastle United's games last month and scored the first hat-trick of his career in England. against Ipswich Town on the last weekend before Christmas. No wonder the Magpies they estimate it at £150 million.
Isaac's underrated partner in crime throughout this scoring explosion has been Jacob Murphy. The unheralded Norwich City academy graduate scored a hat-trick of Isak's goals during this run and set up three himself. Only one player managed to collect more assists than Murphy – Mohamed Salah.
Liverpool's indomitable talisman balanced his inflated tally of seven assists with as many goals. Same as fellow nominee Trent Alexander-ArnoldSalah's uncertain contractual situation at Liverpool has not affected his performance on the pitch.
Chelsea has ensured that Cole Palmer it doesn't go anywhere. The Blues tied their talented player at one new nine-year deal in the summer and have seen him strut his stuff in yet another impressive campaign. Despite a hit in form for the team – Chelsea ended December with a point from three games – Palmer has been at his best.
Nottingham Forest's mastermind Morgan Gibbs-White has also received plaudits for his performances in December, but the glory doesn't just belong to attacking-minded players. Bournemouth centre-back Dean Huijsen and Fulham are flying in the wings Antonee Robinson are also nominated.
As Liverpool's lead in Premier League summit six healthy points remain, Slot Arne is an obvious candidate to retain his managerial prize. However, Nuno Espirito SantoNottingham Forest boasted a better record than the Reds in December, topping the table over the festive period with 15 points from six games.
Five straight wins to end the year took Forest to the heights of second place – their highest position at the end of a senior season since 1994. Ever the realist, Nuno dismissed any early dreams Champions League qualification insisting: “It means nothing. We haven't achieved anything yet.”
Unlike Forest, who lost to Manchester City (a rarity these days), Andoni IraolaBournemouth remained unbeaten throughout December. The Cherries were held to a trio of draws, but their football was complete and impressive Manchester United strike gave the Spanish manager a moment in the spotlight.
Eddie Howe completed Newcastle's trio of nominees this month. As well as securing qualification for the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup, the Magpies boss guided his side to four straight league wins without conceding a single goal – the latest of which was just the club's third. Premier League win at Old Trafford since 1950.