Nominees for December 2025's Premier League Manager of the Month confirmed

Here are the nominees for the Premier League Manager of the Month for December 2025.

The Premier League has confirmed the four nominees for the Barclays Manager of the Month award for December 2025, recognising the coaches who stood out during a demanding festive schedule that featured more than 60 matches across all clubs and significant movement at both ends of the table.

Who are the nominees?

Mikel Arteta

Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta earns his fourth consecutive nomination after guiding the Gunners through another strong month to retain their place at the top of the league.

Arsenal won five of their six matches in December, responding impressively to an early setback with a narrow defeat to Aston Villa.

The highlight of their festive run came in a commanding 4–1 victory over the same opponents at the Emirates Stadium, underlining Arteta’s ability to maintain consistency and focus during a congested period.

Pep Guardiola

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is the only nominee with a perfect record for the month. City won all five of their December fixtures, scoring freely and showing their trademark control despite the packed calendar.

The standout moment was a dramatic 5–4 win over Fulham in a nine-goal thriller that showcased both City’s attacking depth and Guardiola’s in-game management. With key players hitting peak form, City closed the gap on the league leaders and remain firmly in the title race.

Unai Emery

Unai Emery also makes the shortlist following an impressive December with Aston Villa. Villa recorded five wins from six league matches, continuing a resurgence that has propelled them into serious top-four contention.

Notable victories included a tactically astute 2–1 win over Manchester United and a hard-fought success away at Chelsea. Although the month ended with defeat against Arsenal, Emery’s work has transformed Villa into one of the league’s most organised and competitive sides.

Daniel Farke

The surprise name among the nominees is Leeds United boss Daniel Farke. After entering December on a four-game losing streak, Leeds appeared destined for a relegation battle.

Instead, Farke oversaw an unbeaten month, picking up valuable draws against Liverpool and Brentford before claiming an emphatic 3–1 victory over Chelsea.

That turnaround has lifted Leeds clear of the bottom three and into mid-table, making Farke’s nomination a testament to his tactical adaptability and man-management.