Premier League Team of the Month: September 2016
September marked another action-packed month in the Barclays Premier League, featuring numerous standout performances across the pitch. Here, we present a carefully selected Team of the Month, highlighting the league’s top-performing players and notable managers during this thrilling period.
Goalkeeper: Lukasz Fabianski (Swansea City)
Despite Swansea City’s overall struggles in September, Lukasz Fabianski remained a standout presence between the posts. The Polish goalkeeper’s consistent ability to deny opponents was evident in matches such as his five-save display against Chelsea, followed by another impressive four saves against Southampton. Over three appearances, he tallied 10 saves and claimed 7 crosses, frequently keeping Swansea in contention even when results did not go their way.
Right Back: Seamus Coleman (Everton)
Irish international Seamus Coleman made a significant comeback after an injury, emerging as an integral component of Everton’s impressive start to the season. In four appearances, Coleman contributed 1 goal, 2 clean sheets, won 16 tackles, and completed 11 dribbles. His energetic play on the right flank not only solidified the defense but also provided vital attacking support, helping Everton maintain their push towards the European places.
Central Defender: Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal)
Arsenal saw a remarkable turnaround in fortune with Laurent Koscielny’s return to fitness. The French defender anchored the backline as the Gunners went unbeaten in September, registering 3 appearances, 1 goal, and impressive passing (92% accuracy). Koscielny’s leadership and defensive prowess, including 11 interceptions and a flawless shot accuracy, were instrumental in Arsenal’s dominance, particularly during their 3-0 triumph over Chelsea.
Left Back: James Milner (Liverpool)
Operating out of his natural position, James Milner excelled as Liverpool’s left back in September. During his 3 matches, he contributed 2 goals (both from penalties), 1 assist, completed 19 crosses, and created 5 chances. Milner’s discipline in defense, combined with his attacking contributions—especially in the 5-1 win over Hull City—proved vital, helping Liverpool’s backline remain solid while adding goals from deeper positions.
Midfield Playmaker: Adam Lallana (Liverpool)
Adam Lallana elevated his game this season, becoming an increasingly influential figure for Liverpool. In September, the English midfielder scored 2 goals and provided 2 assists across 3 appearances, maintaining a 100% shot accuracy and an 87% pass completion rate. Lallana’s technical skills and confidence on the ball made him a key orchestrator in Liverpool’s successive wins.
Right Wing: Sadio Mane (Liverpool)
Sadio Mane proved to be an unstoppable force on Liverpool’s right flank throughout September. Featuring in 3 matches, he tallied 2 goals, 1 assist, created 7 chances, and executed 12 successful dribbles. Mane’s direct running and ability to beat defenders were critical in dismantling opposition defenses, establishing him as one of the league’s most dangerous attacking threats.
Attacking Midfield: Kevin de Bruyne (Manchester City)
Kevin de Bruyne emerged as Manchester City’s creative engine, orchestrating play from midfield with notable consistency. Across his 3 appearances, he scored 2 goals, supplied 2 assists, created 12 chances, and achieved an 83% pass accuracy. De Bruyne’s performances were particularly crucial in key victories, notably against Manchester United, underlining his importance to Pep Guardiola’s title ambitions.
Attacking Midfield: Dimitri Payet (West Ham United)
Despite a tough month for West Ham, Dimitri Payet remained a beacon of creativity. With 3 appearances, 3 assists, and a penalty won, Payet was directly involved in every goal West Ham scored during September. He also created 14 chances and completed 11 dribbles, ensuring the Hammers remained competitive in spite of their wider struggles.
Left Wing: Heung-Min Son (Tottenham Hotspur)
Heung-Min Son seized his opportunity in the Tottenham lineup with a stunning run of form. In 3 matches, the South Korean international netted 4 goals and crafted 10 chances, achieving a 60% shot accuracy and an 88% pass completion rate. Son’s attacking prowess and knack for scoring crucial goals made him a pivotal figure in Spurs’ successes throughout the month.
Centre Forward: Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal)
Playing as Arsenal’s centre forward, Alexis Sanchez showcased his adaptability and clinical finishing throughout September. In 3 league appearances, he scored 3 goals, added 1 assist, maintained a 63% shot accuracy, and created 5 opportunities for teammates. Sanchez’s movement and aggressive pressing caused constant problems for opponents and contributed to Arsenal’s high-scoring wins.
Striker: Romelu Lukaku (Everton)
Romelu Lukaku was a dominant attacking force for Everton over four matches in September. After a quiet August, Lukaku hit his stride by scoring 5 league goals and registering 1 assist, with a remarkable 77% shot accuracy. His goals were crucial in securing key victories, reaffirming his status as one of the league’s elite strikers.
Premier League Team of the Month: September 2016 Lineup
| Position | Player | Club | Key September Stats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Lukasz Fabianski | Swansea City | 3 appearances, 10 saves, 7 cross claims |
| Right Back | Seamus Coleman | Everton | 4 appearances, 1 goal, 2 clean sheets, 16 tackles |
| Centre Back | Laurent Koscielny | Arsenal | 3 appearances, 1 goal, 92% pass accuracy, 11 interceptions |
| Left Back | James Milner | Liverpool | 3 appearances, 2 goals, 1 assist, 100% shot accuracy |
| Centre Midfield | Adam Lallana | Liverpool | 3 appearances, 2 goals, 2 assists, 100% shot accuracy |
| Right Wing | Sadio Mane | Liverpool | 3 appearances, 2 goals, 1 assist, 12 dribbles |
| Attacking Midfield | Kevin de Bruyne | Manchester City | 3 appearances, 2 goals, 2 assists, 12 chances created |
| Attacking Midfield | Dimitri Payet | West Ham United | 3 appearances, 3 assists, 14 chances created |
| Left Wing | Heung-Min Son | Tottenham Hotspur | 3 appearances, 4 goals, 10 chances created |
| Centre Forward | Alexis Sanchez | Arsenal | 3 appearances, 3 goals, 1 assist |
| Striker | Romelu Lukaku | Everton | 4 appearances, 5 goals, 1 assist, 77% shot accuracy |
Formation and Notable Alternatives
This month’s selection follows a 3-5-2 formation, emphasizing attacking flair and robust midfield creativity. Honourable mentions include Nicholas Otamendi, Kyle Walker, Jordan Henderson, Steven Defour, Michail Antonio, Philippe Coutinho, and Christian Benteke, whose performances also impressed during September.
Standout Individual: Player of the Month
Kevin de Bruyne of Manchester City is recognized as the Premier League’s finest performer in September 2016. The Belgian midfielder’s exceptional playmaking, goals, and leadership guided his team to three important victories and cemented his reputation as one of the Premier League’s premier talents.
Managerial Excellence: Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool)
Jurgen Klopp’s transformative impact at Liverpool was clear in September. Under his guidance, the Reds produced dominant performances, including emphatic wins over Leicester, Chelsea, and Hull City. Klopp’s ability to extract the best from his squad and instill a relentless winning mentality was central to Liverpool’s early title challenge.
Conclusion
September 2016 delivered no shortage of standout talent and remarkable results in the Premier League, with players and managers raising their levels as the season gathered pace. Each member of this Team of the Month played a vital role for their club, setting the standard for top-flight football in England—and promising even more excitement in the months to come. Stay tuned for future updates as the action unfolds.
