The Premier League has published shortlists for the September Player and Manager of the Month awards, highlighting a mix of established stars and emerging contributors.

Erling Haaland was the standout player in September, finishing the month with a barnstorming total of five goals. He scored in high-profile victories against Arsenal and Manchester United and also supplied an assist.

Daichi Kamada has been a consistent presence for Crystal Palace. Signed as an attacking midfielder, the 29-year-old has been deployed deeper in a 3-4-2-1 system and combined creativity with robust tackling in that role.

Yankuba Minteh provided three goal contributions for Brighton & Hove Albion, scoring in each of the club’s three matches in September. His display in the 3–1 comeback win over Chelsea drew particular praise.

Sunderland were one of the surprise packages of the month, a newly promoted side that finished September on a three-game unbeaten run. The Black Cats were led by goalkeeper Robin Roefs, who kept two clean sheets, and midfield signing Granit Xhaka, who set up each of Sunderland’s goals.

Arsenal midfielder Martín Zubimendi enjoyed an expanded attacking remit after Martin Ødegaard’s injury and supplied notable moments, including a volleyed goal against Nottingham Forest.

The Manager of the Month shortlist reflected team form and tactical approaches. Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta saw his side beat Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United and draw with Man City, a sequence “which, according to the boss himself, left people all over the football world in awe .” Oliver Glasner retained Crystal Palace’s unbeaten record and orchestrated the tactical plan that delivered Liverpool’s first defeat of the campaign. Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City produced nine goals across three games. Régis Le Bris remained on the list following Sunderland’s run that left them fifth at the end of the month.

Recent winners listed in the draft include Jack Grealish (Everton, August) and Arne Slot (Liverpool, September).

Pep Guardiola distilled a familiar bluntness when asked about Erling Haaland’s recent scoring numbers. “It’s his job,” he grinned, a line that underlined how routine the striker’s output now looks for the club.

Haaland has 93 goals in the Premier League from just 103 appearances, a total that moved him past Ole Gunnar Solskjær as the competition’s most prolific Norwegian. The brace that produced that mark also propelled him into Manchester City’s list of the club’s 10 all-time top scorers.

The 25-year-old, who joined City three years ago, has already accumulated 133 goals across all competitions for the club. That sits a little over half of Sergio Agüero’s club record of 260, though Haaland’s current Premier League scoring rate suggests the gap will narrow if he maintains this form.

Guardiola downplayed spectacle in favour of substance, calling Haaland “an incredibly important figure for us.” “He always has the feeling that he can score and I’m really pleased again for the performance for the team,” the manager added, linking individual output to collective progress as City closed ground on a faltering Liverpool.

Reflecting on the squad’s response after recent matches, the manager said: “Since the [Manchester] United game, the team showed another way in their body language when they weren’t playing good against Arsenal in how they defend and helped each other—that is the key for everything,” Guardiola beamed.

For all the headlines around Haaland, it was Jérémy Doku who drew the most vivid reaction on the night. The winger’s dribbles and combinations left Guardiola openly exclaiming: “Wow!”

“I ask the wingers in the final third to go one vs. one or one vs. two and I have the feeling that Jérémy’s decision-making in the final third improved, like, wow!” Guardiola said, later adding: “Comparing to the past, he made an assist to Erling and sees the channels.”

On Doku’s role against compact defences the manager observed: “He’s an incredible threat against teams that are a low block and deep,” and added: “Jérémy is really important. When the team is transitional maybe he can struggle a bit but he had the ball and brought the opponent to the box.”

Pep Guardiola has provided clarity on Manchester City’s squad ahead of the visit of Burnley, confirming that Erling Haaland will be available for Saturday’s game. Guardiola offered a succinct assessment when asked about the Norway international. “He’s ready.” The manager indicated Haaland’s absence would not be extended, signalling confidence that the striker will be fit for selection.

Guardiola was more measured on Mateo Kovačić, who has not featured this season after suffering an Achilles injury in May. “Maybe,” was the verdict given to midfielder Mateo Kovačić, who has not played this season after suffering an Achilles injury in May. “It would help a lot to have Kova back. It’s a long injury, surgery, but he is getting ready. He is not fully ready but step-by-step.” Those remarks underline the long recovery process for Kovačić and suggest gradual reintegration rather than an immediate return to action.

Saturday’s fixture will also bring the return of Kyle Walker to the Etihad Stadium. Walker left City after falling out of favour last season, joining AC Milan on loan before completing a permanent move to newly promoted Burnley this summer. The reunion will be watched closely given recent events involving other former players. Walker will hope for a better reception than that endured by Kevin De Bruyne, who was substituted in the first half of Napoli’s defeat to City in response to an early red card.

Guardiola paid tribute to Walker’s contribution during his time at City. “Pretty sure everyone will be happy to see him back,” he said. “Players like that have been unbelievable for us. The right back that defined our time here in the last nine to 10 years. Pretty sure he’ll get the credit from our fans because he deserves it.” The manager’s comments framed the match as both a fitness update and a moment to acknowledge a player who featured prominently in the club’s recent history.