Ancelotti Up For December Manager Prize

Carlo Ancelotti is in contention to claim a second Barclays Manager of the Month award this season following the Italian’s nomination for December’s prize.

Everton boss Ancelotti is named on a four-strong shortlist after overseeing four victories and a draw from his side’s five Premier League games last month.

Dean Smith of Aston Villa, Manchester United’s Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Burnley boss Sean Dyche are vying with Ancelotti for the honour.

Everton opened December by drawing 1-1 at Burnley before embarking on a run of four straight wins, prompted by the 1-0 Goodison Park defeat of Chelsea.

Another London club in Arsenal were beaten on their visit to Goodison the following week – those two successes sandwiching Everton’s controlled 2-0 victory at high-flying Leicester City.

Everton overcame the twin challenges of Sheffield United and Storm Bella to wrap up the month – and 2020 – with a single-goal triumph at Bramall Lane on Boxing Day.

Ancelotti claimed the September award after leading Everton to maximum points from their opening three games – against Tottenham Hotspur, West Bromwich Albion and Crystal Palace.

>>>VOTE FOR CARLO ANCELOTTI TO WIN DECEMBER'S BARCLAYS MANAGER OF THE MONTH BY CLICKING HERE<<<

Voting closes at 6pm GMT on Monday 11 December.

The recipient of December's honour will be announced at midday on Friday 15 January.