Premier League confirm nominees for April Player & Manager of the Month awards

As the 2024/25 Premier League season enters its final stretch, April offered up plenty of drama, dazzling performances, and one or two surprises — as it tends to do this time of year. With the title race all but wrapped up and European spots hotly contested, the focus momentarily shifts from teams to individuals, as the Premier League has officially unveiled the nominees for April’s Player and Manager of the Month awards.

While Newcastle United and Wolverhampton Wanderers dominate the list thanks to brilliant runs of form, the standout story might just belong to Wolves, whose manager and key players have a serious shot at ending some historic droughts.

April’s Best: Seven Players Vie for Premier League Glory

Harvey Barnes enjoyed a prolific April / Stu Forster/GettyImages

April is always a month where the stakes are raised. Players who find form at this stage are often the ones pushing their clubs over the line — whether it’s chasing the title, hunting for Europe, or fighting off relegation. That’s why this month’s shortlist feels especially stacked.

Here are your Premier League Player of the Month nominees for April 2025:

• Rayan Ait-Nouri (Wolverhampton Wanderers)

• Harvey Barnes (Newcastle United)

• Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool)

• Jacob Murphy (Newcastle United)

• Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa)

• Ryan Sessegnon (Fulham)

• Jorgen Strand Larsen (Wolverhampton Wanderers)

A quick glance at the list tells the story of two teams in particular: Wolves and Newcastle. Both sides recorded five league wins each in April, more than any other Premier League club, and the individual brilliance of their players is reflected here.

Let’s break it down.

Wolves’ Breakout Performers: Ait-Nouri and Strand Larsen

It’s actually a little shocking when you think about it — no Wolves player has ever won the Premier League Player of the Month award. That’s right, in the 31-year history of the competition, not once has a Wolves man taken home that trophy. That could change this month thanks to Rayan Ait-Nouri and Jorgen Strand Larsen.

Ait-Nouri has been exceptional down the left flank, combining his defensive reliability with a consistent attacking threat. But it’s Strand Larsen who might be the real contender here. The towering striker found the back of the net four times in April — the joint-best tally in the league — and was crucial in helping Wolves maintain their perfect record. He did have one howler, missing an open goal that he later admitted left him “embarrassed,” but overall, it was a month to remember for the Norwegian forward.

Newcastle’s Fringe Players Step Into the Spotlight

When Eddie Howe said at the start of the month that fringe players needed to “impress” him, few probably expected the kind of response he got. Harvey Barnes, in particular, took the message to heart. Previously reduced to a bench role, Barnes stepped up and delivered four goals in April — equaling Strand Larsen’s tally — and proved to be a match-winner on more than one occasion.

Meanwhile, Jacob Murphy deserves plenty of credit, too. The versatile wide man scored three goals and laid on three assists, playing a huge role in Newcastle’s winning streak. His energy, unpredictability, and work rate made him indispensable in the absence of regular starters.

Other Contenders: Mac Allister, Rogers & Sessegnon

Alexis Mac Allister may not have racked up the same stats as some of his fellow nominees, but if this were a contest for goal quality rather than quantity, he’d probably win it. The Argentine midfielder produced two absolute stunners — both top-corner screamers — against Fulham and Tottenham. His composure, class, and ability to dictate play are why clubs like Real Madrid are circling.

Then there’s Morgan Rogers, a player who’s flown under the radar but quietly had a sensational April for Aston Villa. With four assists, he was the Premier League’s most creative force in the month, pulling strings and carving open defences with ease. He was central to Villa’s strong push for a European spot.

Ryan Sessegnon, after a long injury layoff, also impressed for Fulham. While not the flashiest name on the list, his return to fitness and form has given Marco Silva’s side a real boost.

Premier League Manager of the Month Nominees – April 2025

Vitor Pereira has enjoyed a perfect run of results in April / Matt McNulty/GettyImages

The Five-Man Shortlist:

• Vitor Pereira (Wolverhampton Wanderers)

• Eddie Howe (Newcastle United)

• Unai Emery (Aston Villa)

• Pep Guardiola (Manchester City)

• Arne Slot (Liverpool)

Yes, Arne Slot has just led Liverpool to the Premier League title — no small feat — but when it comes to April alone, the clear favourite has to be Wolves’ Vitor Pereira.

Pereira’s Perfect Month

In his first season in charge, Pereira has transformed Wolves into a force to be reckoned with. In April, they were untouchable — five games, five wins, and barely a goal conceded. Add in their final win in March, and that’s six consecutive victories — a feat not achieved at Molineux since 1970. That stat alone should give you an idea of how significant this run is for the club.

Following their 3-0 demolition of Leicester City, Pereira spoke simply but passionately: “I’m very proud of my team and our supporters. Happiness and good football. I’m happy.” Wolves fans are more than happy — they’re dreaming again.

Howe, Despite Illness, Leads Newcastle Charge

Credit where it’s due — Eddie Howe managed to guide Newcastle through a fantastic month despite missing several matches due to a bout of pneumonia. The groundwork he laid was clear, though, as his side responded with energy, focus, and attacking flair. Their strong April push has them right in the European mix, and Howe’s leadership was felt even from a distance.

Emery, Guardiola and Slot – Consistently Excellent

Unai Emery’s Aston Villa continue to impress, with a key win over Newcastle in April keeping them in the hunt for a Champions League place. Emery’s ability to tweak tactics and motivate players like Rogers has paid off again.

As for Pep Guardiola, consistency is the name of the game. Even if Manchester City didn’t blow teams away like they sometimes do, they still racked up the points with a business-like precision.

And Arne Slot, newly crowned champion, deserves a nod. His Liverpool side held their nerve and sealed the title with games to spare. But for April alone, Pereira’s run edges the Dutchman out.

Final Thoughts: April Belonged to Wolves and Newcastle

When the dust settles on this season, April 2025 might be remembered as the month Wolves roared back to prominence and Newcastle’s squad depth proved decisive. Whether it’s Strand Larsen or Ait-Nouri finally breaking the Player of the Month curse for Wolves, or Vitor Pereira collecting his first managerial gong, Molineux is buzzing.

Newcastle, too, have shown they’re more than just a team of stars — they’ve got hungry, sharp fringe players ready to step up.

Who wins these awards? That’s up to the fans and Premier League panel to decide. But if we’re going off results, performances, and impact — you’d be hard-pressed to look past the gold and black of Wolverhampton this time.