The Premier League shortlists for November have been published, highlighting individual runs that shaped the month.

Newcastle United winger Harvey Barnes closed November with three goals, two of which arrived in the win over Manchester City. Everton midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall delivered a memorable strike against Manchester United, also scoring against Newcastle and providing an assist against Fulham. Manchester City winger Jérémy Doku produced one of the season’s most eye-catching individual displays as he demolished Liverpool and helped Pep Guardiola’s side remain competitive in the title race.

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes finished November with four assists, creating goals against Nottingham Forest, Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace. Morgan Gibbs-White enjoyed a three-game scoring streak for Nottingham Forest, firing home against Man Utd, Leeds United and in the away victory at Liverpool.

Chelsea defender Reece James featured in all four of the Blues’ Premier League matches in November. His assist in the 1–1 draw with Arsenal capped off a truly stunning individual showing in a month which yielded a total of three clean sheets. Arsenal’s Declan Rice added attacking impetus with a goal against Burnley and an assist in the north London derby win over Tottenham Hotspur.

Brentford striker Igor Thiago continued his hot form, adding five goals across November with strikes against Newcastle, Brighton & Hove Albion and Burnley among them.

Managers with strong cases included Mikel Arteta after Arsenal’s unbeaten month, which produced wins over Burnley and Tottenham as well as draws with Sunderland and Chelsea. Unai Emery’s Aston Villa won three of four and emerged as outside contenders in the title race. Pep Guardiola’s Man City scored a league-high 10 goals in November, including the victory over Liverpool. Fabian Hürzeler’s Brighton & Hove Albion conceded once in four games, producing wins over Leeds, Brentford and Nottingham Forest. Chelsea went unbeaten under Enzo Maresca with three wins and a draw. Marco Silva’s Fulham recorded three wins over Wolves, Sunderland and Tottenham.

Recent monthly winners: Jack Grealish (Everton, August), Erling Haaland (Man City, September), Bryan Mbeumo (Man Utd, October). Recent manager winners: Arne Slot (Liverpool, August), Oliver Glasner (Crystal Palace, September), Ruben Amorim (Man Utd, October).

Mikel Arteta has urged Declan Rice to expand his set-piece repertoire by working on long throws, citing the clear impact Brentford have made this season from that specific delivery. Brentford have scored three times from long throws this term, while Arsenal remain without a goal from that scenario despite their broader set-piece strength.

Arteta pointed to Michael Kayode’s influence and asked his midfielder to emulate the standard the Brentford full back has established. “A massive weapon,” Arteta said of the Italian’s throw-ins. “We all know that. It is a very chaotic situation—it is very difficult to predict what is going to happen.”

When asked why Rice does not yet deploy long throws to the same extent, Arteta offered a measured response on development and belief. “Who is [as good as Kayode]? Everything has to evolve. I don’t know how good [Kayode] was a year ago, or two years ago or three years ago. I know how good Declan was at taking set pieces three or four years ago and I know how good he is now.

“It does not happen overnight. Things have to be trained, evolved and tweaked. And the player has to believe as well, which is key. When you look at Declan, he can do almost everything you require him to do.”

Arteta’s comments come with some short-term fitness concerns. Rice, who has two goals and five assists in all competitions this season, was withdrawn in the 83rd minute of the meeting with Brentford after showing signs of a problem. Cristhian Mosquera added his name to a list of defensive absentees that already includes William Saliba and Gabriel. Arteta criticised the jam-packed schedule after the full-time whistle and was hoping Rice’s issue would not be serious.

Rice later reported no serious concern and made himself available for the upcoming game. In an off-camera meeting with Sky Sports News, Rice revealed he was “fine” and able to feature at Villa Park on Saturday.

Arsenal defeated Brentford 2-0 in the Premier League on Wednesday night, restoring their lead at the top of the table to five points over Manchester City. Arteta chose not to risk Viktor Gyökeres from the start and Mikel Merino repaid that faith with his second goal in as many games.

Merino opened the scoring 11 minutes in, meeting a clever piece of skill from Noni Madueke before Ben White’s cross found the Spaniard from close range. That finish injected life into a cautious opening period. David Raya produced a decisive intervention when he diverted a Kevin Schade header onto the crossbar, the only save he was required to make as Arsenal recorded another clean sheet.

Arsenal controlled possession for long spells. Martin Ødegaard returned to the starting XI as he continues his recovery, with Martín Zubimendi and Declan Rice providing midfield balance. Rice tested Caoimhín Kelleher from distance in the second half, and a second chance fell to Merino from the rebound, only for him to stumble as he stretched and knock the ball out of play.

Noni Madueke was Arsenal’s primary threat in the first half, his inventive backheel and deliveries causing problems for Brentford. Gabriel Martinelli had opportunities but was unable to add the second until late. Riccardo Calafiori forced a good save from Kelleher before Bukayo Saka converted a late rebound to make sure of the win; Kelleher’s parry removed power from the initial shot but the bounce carried the ball over the line.

The evening was marred by a couple of injury concerns. Cristhian Mosquera was forced off injured before half time, Declan Rice left the pitch hobbling later on, and Piero Hincapié underwent a concussion assessment during the game.

Substitutes included Jurriën Timber, Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze, with Viktor Gyökeres introduced late. Player of the Match: Mikel Merino.