Willian wins Goal of the Month; Hudson-Odoi named PL2 Player of the Month

In a rare bit of common sense when it comes to pageantry like the Premier League Goal of the Month awards, skill, teamwork, and invention were rewarded over just another garden variety long-range blast or free kick. After all, a goal that requires three players to produce something equally wonderful all at the same time should usually outrank individual efforts, no?

In any case, Willian’s brilliant goal against Brighton, set up by the silky interplay of the three Chelsea forwards was named Goal of Month for January. Congrats to him, as well as Hazard and Batshuayi who really should both get assists on such a masterpiece.

Willian is the first Chelsea player to win Goal of the Month this season, following Pedro (twice!) and Eden Hazard’s efforts from last season.

In other award, Eddie Howe was named Manager of the Month (thanks in part to beating Chelsea 3-0) while the Player of the Month is yet to be announced.

Meanwhile, young Callum Hudson-Odoi, who could be in line for some minutes in tonight’s FA Cup match against Hull City was named the PL2 Player of the Month. With 3 goals in 5 games, as well as making his senior debut, it’s been quite a month for the 17-year-old.

“It was a crazy month. The PL2 game at Sunderland, scoring a hat-trick, that boosted it for me and when I got told I was coming into the senior squad to be on the bench against Newcastle [in the previous round of the FA Cup], I was delighted.

“Then coming on in that game, that was an amazing feeling as that was my debut, but a couple of days after against Bournemouth, to make my Premier League debut as well was crazy! So it was the best month of my life so far.”

-Callum Hudson-Odoi; source: Chelsea FC

Hopefully it’s just one of many awards, accolades, goals, and successes to come in the future.