Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Unai Emery both collect major recognition for their December work in the Premier League, with the Leeds United striker taking Premier League Player of the Month and the Aston
Villa head coach earning Premier League Manager of the Month, after strong runs that shaped the festive fixtures.
Emery’s Aston Villa side won five of six Premier League matches in December, tightening their grip near the top positions. Villa defeated Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United during that spell, underlining consistent form. The award is Emery’s third, after previous Premier League Manager of the Month honours in April and December 2023.
Calvert-Lewin struck six goals in five league matches during December, leading Leeds United through an unbeaten month. The forward scored in key victories over Chelsea and Crystal Palace, helping the newly promoted team maintain momentum. That contribution proved decisive in the Premier League Player of the Month voting for the December award.
The awards keep coming! Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been voted the @PremierLeague's Player of the Month for December!Leeds United (@LUFC) January 16, 2026
Calvert-Lewin became the first player from a newly promoted club to secure Premier League Player of the Month since Teemu Pukki in August 2019, when Daniel Farke managed Norwich City. The English forward had previously taken the award in September 2020 with Everton, scoring five goals in three matches that month.
| Category | Winner | Club | Month and Year | Key Statistics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League Player of the Month | Dominic Calvert-Lewin | Leeds United | December 2025 | Six goals in five matches; unbeaten month; wins over Chelsea and Crystal Palace |
| Premier League Manager of the Month | Unai Emery | Aston Villa | December 2025 | Five wins from six matches; victories against Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United |
The latest prize is Calvert-Lewin’s second Premier League Player of the Month, arriving after a long interval from September 2020. That gap is the longest for an ever-present Premier League player since Robbie Keane, who won in January 2001 and then again in April 2007, underlining the longevity of Calvert-Lewin’s impact.
