Premier League team of the month: Key Brighton pair star after perfect October

With October now at its end, it’s time to run through the Premier League team of the month. 

Goalkeeper: Mat Ryan (Brighton) - 7.81 rating 

After a rocky start to the season, Brighton’s form improved incredibly in October as they secured three successive 1-0 wins to move into mid-table. Three clean sheets and more saves (17) than any other shotstopper over the last month means Mat Ryan, with a WhoScored rating of 7.81, occupies the goalkeeper spot in this XI. 

Right-back: Matt Doherty (Wolves) - 7.42 rating 

Wolves’ form has tailed off after back-to-back losses at the hands of Watford and Brighton, but they were effective in securing a 1-0 win over Crystal Palace at the start of October, with Matt Doherty key in the victory. The 26-year-old bagged the only goal in the win over the Eagles, landing the man of the match award to help return a WhoScored rating of 7.42 in October. 

Centre-back: Shane Duffy (Brighton) - 7.58 rating 

Ryan is joined in the best-rated Premier League XI of October by Brighton teammate Shane Duffy, who was influential as the Seagulls won all three games this month. The centre-back secured the WhoScored man of the match award in the hard-fought 1-0 win over Newcastle, while 33 clearances, more than any other Premier League player in October, helped Duffy gain a WhoScored rating of 7.58. 

Centre-back: Antonio Rudiger (Chelsea) - 7.50 rating 

Joining Duffy in defence is Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger, who enjoyed a successful month for the Blues. He netted in the 2-2 draw with Manchester United at Stamford Bridge and put in solid displays in wins over Southampton and Burnley. 215 accurate passes was the second most of defenders and saw the German secure a WhoScored rating of 7.50 in October. 

Left-back: Benjamin Mendy (Manchester City) - 7.22 rating  

Manchester City kept three clean sheets in their three matches in October, including shut outs at both Liverpool and Tottenham. Benjamin Mendy played the full 90 minutes in all three games, picking up an assist in the 5-0 win over Burnley. Five accurate crosses from open play was the third best return in the Premier League this month and contributed to Mendy landing a 7.22 WhoScored rating.  

Defensive midfield: Fernandinho (Manchester City) - 8.00 rating 

Another key reason for City’s resolute backline was the defensive showing of Fernandinho in the middle of the park for the defending champions. 19 tackles and interceptions combined was the third best return of all Premier League players in an October that saw Fernandinho secure man of the match awards against Liverpool and Tottenham. All in all, his performances helped gain a WhoScored rating of 8.00. 

Central midfield: Beram Kayal (Brighton) - 7.86 rating 

Beram Kayal established himself as a vital player for Brighton this month, with three of his four league starts coming in October. Here, Kayal impressed in the middle of the park for the Seagulls as he scored one and assisted another for a Brighton side that won all three matches 1-0. 10 tackles and interceptions combined saw the Israeli gain a WhoScored rating of 7.86.   

Central midfield: Ross Barkley (Chelsea) - 8.06 rating 

Ross Barkley looks to be fulfilling his potential at Stamford Bridge, with the faith Maurizio Sarri has showing in the midfielder being repaid and then some. The England international had a direct hand in six goals in October, scoring three and assisting three, including a late equaliser in the 2-2 draw with Manchester United, to gain a notable WhoScored rating of 8.06. 

Right wing: Willian (Chelsea) - 7.88 rating 

The third and final Chelsea player to make the cut in this XI, Willian had a direct hand in a goal in two of his three league appearances in October, providing the assist for Antonio Rudiger’s goal against Manchester United and netting in Chelsea’s 4-0 win at Burnley. 10 key passes was the second best Premier League return in October and was enough to pick up a WhoScored rating of 7.88. 

Striker: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Arsenal) - 8.14 rating 

The Premier League player of the month for October with a WhoScored rating of 8.14, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang only started once this month, but it didn’t stop him from scoring five, that more than any other player, and assisting one from his three league outings. He hit the back of the net with his five shots in October as he averaged a goal every 27 minutes, a fine return for the Arsenal star. 

Left wing: Anthony Martial (Manchester United) - 8.10 rating 

Firmly back in Jose Mourinho’s good books, Anthony Martial rounds of the October best XI as he hit the back of the net in each of his three Premier League outings, scoring four goals in the process, including a brace in a man of the match showing against Chelsea. He netted with four of his six shots on goal, while additional returns of seven key passes and three successful dribbles contributed to a WhoScored rating of 8.10.