As well as Arsene Wenger being up for the Premier League Manager of the Month award for March, Arsenal have not one but two players in the shortlist of six for the Player of the Month award. While this is a fitting reflection of how well the Gunners have been doing recently, it would be even better if we were to win both awards and by all rights we should.
Olivier Giroud and Francis Coquelin are up against Harry Kane, Jordan Henderson, Agnonlahor and Fellaini and while our tigerish French midfielder has been excellent for us, the nature of his role means it is highly unlikely that he will win, but Giroud should.
His biggest rival is clearly the flavour of the month Spud and both scored five goals in four league games in March, but the reason I think Giroud should win is because he also provided an assist, has been a massive presence in the side and scored that fantastic goal against West Ham that Arsenal fans voted goal of the month. Also we should not forget that he played an FA cup and a Champions League game more than Kane.
Wenger is up against Louis van Gaal, Ronald Koeman and Tim Sherwood. While United won all their games in March, there were only three while the Gunners won four and Wenger also won the two cup games. I know it is a Premier League award but surely Wenger´s achievement was better because he had to cope with those games as well.
We will know later today but Arsenal should be able to parade two awards to the home fans before taking on Liverpool.
ADMIN UPDATE – Wenger and Giroud did indeed both win their respective trophies. Congratulations to the Players and to Bob for predicting it!