Premier League’s Forgotten Award Winners: Birmingham Standout and Chelsea Struggler

Bryan Mbeumo has been crowned the Premier League’s Player of the Month for October, a reward that felt almost inevitable given Manchester United’s recent surge in form. Erik ten Hag’s side have quietly pieced together a five-match unbeaten run — including three straight victories — and Mbeumo has been central to that momentum.

The former Brentford star arrived at Old Trafford for £70 million in the summer, and he has wasted no time showing why United were willing to pay such a premium. His pace, directness and composure in the final third have translated seamlessly from West London to Manchester. In October alone, he scored in two of United’s three wins: striking after just two minutes at Anfield in the victory over Liverpool, before producing a brilliant brace in the 4-2 win against Brighton. Those performances have now earned him individual recognition, making him the second United player in 2025 — after Bruno Fernandes — to take home the monthly award.

While Mbeumo seems like a natural fit on the list, history shows that the Player of the Month honour has also been a stage for football’s more unexpected stars. The Premier League has had its serial winners — Sergio Agüero, Harry Kane and Mohamed Salah all have seven, Cristiano Ronaldo and Steven Gerrard six — but sprinkled between the giants are names who burned brightly for one brilliant month before fading from the spotlight just as quickly.

Joe Willock — May 2021
Willock’s incredible scoring streak for Newcastle, netting in seven consecutive matches, turned a short loan spell from Arsenal into a permanent move. His late-season form almost single-handedly lifted the Magpies out of danger.

Fraser Forster — February 2016
Fresh off an injury layoff, Forster returned for Southampton and immediately delivered six straight clean sheets, with three coming in February against Arsenal, West Ham and Swansea.

Diafra Sakho — October 2014
The West Ham striker enjoyed an electric month, scoring in wins over QPR, Burnley and champions Manchester City, including the decisive header in a memorable 2-1 victory at Upton Park.

Deco — August 2008
After finally joining Chelsea, Deco exploded on debut with a screamer against Portsmouth and followed it with a winner at Wigan. Sadly, it proved the peak of his brief Premier League spell.

Mikael Forssell — March 2004
On loan at Birmingham, the Finn hit six goals in March, including doubles against Leeds and Middlesbrough, during the best scoring season of his career.

Paulo Wanchope — October 1997
Derby County’s Costa Rican forward was unplayable, scoring and assisting in all of the Rams’ goals that month, including a standout display in a 2-2 draw with Manchester United.
Mbeumo now joins this eclectic mix — but unlike many on that list, he looks ready to make his impact last.