October was an excellent month for Manchester City as they moved five points clear of rivals Manchester United at the top of the Premier League.

And the team's stunning assault in their bid for the title has seen two of their stars nominated for the player of the month award.

Assist king Kevin De Bruyne and fellow winger Leroy Sane have been picked from the free-scoring City.

Arsenal may have lost to Watford last month but Nacho Monreal's performances have earned a nod, with Glenn Murray, Nick Pope and Wilfried Zaha also finding a place on the shortlist.

Manchester City's Leroy Sane celebrates with Kevin De Bruyne (
Image:
REUTERS)
Nacho Monreal celebrates for Arsenal (
Image:
REUTERS)

But will follow in Sadio Mane and Karry Kane's footsteps and scoop the prize?

Here are the six players who are up for the award in full and the reasons why they are there, with all data courtesy of EA SPORTS...

Kevin De Bruyne

Kevin De Bruyne has been involved in City's goal scoring

De Bruyne has played a vital role in another successful month for Manchester City which has seen the team score 13 goals to win all four of the league games in October.

  • 3 assists – joint most in the league, providing an assist every 79 minutes
  • 90% passing accuracy
  • 155 passes completed in the opposition half (5th highest in the league)

Nacho Monreal

Nacho Monreal netted twice in October

The defender is thriving in his new centre back position within the Arsenal line-up, providing attacking support on top of his defensive duties to claim two goals for the Gunners in October, as well as the highest number of passes completed in the opposition half by a defender.

  • 324 passes completed – the most in the league
  • 166 passes completed in the opposition half – highest of any defender, 3rd best in the league
  • 2 goals in October (joint 2nd)
  • 83% tackle success

Glenn Murray

Glenn Murray has helped Brighton acclimatise to the top flight

Murray has been the source of vital goals for Brighton this month, helping the team to claim points against both Southampton and West Ham. The striker has made the most of limited scoring opportunities, with the highest goals/shots ratio of any player with 5 shots or more (3 goals in 7 shots).

  • 3 goals – joint highest goalscorer this month
  • Goals/Shots ratio of 0.43 (3 goals with 7 shots), the highest goals/shots ratio of any player with 5 shots or more
  • Competed in the second most aerial duels (43), winning 58% of them

Nick Pope

Nick Pope has impressed between the sticks at Burnley

The Burnley keeper has helped the club to claim important points against Newcastle, West Ham and Everton in October, keeping an impressive 2 clean sheets and conceding only four goals along the way.

  • 2 clean sheets
  • 8 catches – highest of any Premier League goalkeeper in October
  • 0.35 Save/Shot Ratio – the highest in the league

Leroy Sane

Leroy Sane scored and assisted for City

Sane has been a lethal attacking threat for Manchester City this month, scoring 3 goals and also providing 3 assists in a month which saw The Citizens score 13 goals to remain top of the league.

  • 3 goals – joint highest goalscorer this month
  • 3 assists - joint most in the league
  • 37 touches in the opposition box – 1st in the league

Wilfried Zaha

Wilfried Zaha scored twice for Palace

Since returning from injury Zaha has helped the Eagles to kickstart their season with a shock win against champions Chelsea. His attacking creativity has provided 2 key goals for Crystal Palace, with Zaha boasting 11 successful dribbles in the league in October.

  • 2 goals in October (joint 2nd)
  • 28 touches in the opposition box – 3rd best in the league
  • 11 successful dribbles – joint 2nd best in the league

Head to the Player of the Month page at http://potm.easports.com and cast your vote!

Data Courtesy of EA SPORTS, the Lead Partner of the Premier League.