It was close, but I was expecting Ashley Young to come out on top for the Player of the Month award for March after a string of consistent performances signalled a return to form. In the end, Milner’s man of the match performance in the only win of the month, the 2-1 victory over Wigan, made the difference.

It’s notable that this is the first month of the season that a defensive player has not appeared in the top 3 – Richard Dunne was 4th.  It was also the month with the lowest average scores, which shows how results, more than actual performances, steer the scores.

Anyway, well done to James Milner, that’s 3 awards now, tied with Richard Dunne.  Hopefully he’s now well rested and can take this form to Wembley on Saturday.  I’ve a feeling that we’ll need not just James on form though, but the whole team will need to deliver their best.

Speaking of James, he’s also made a shortlist of 10 players at The Telegraph and they’re looking for you to share your opinion via the gift of the online poll. So, you know, you ought to head over there and vote.

Player of the Month – March

• 1st – James Milner – 6.32
• 2nd – John Carew – 6.26
• 3rd – Ashley Young – 6.23

Previous Winners