September Celebrations and Haaland's All-Time Goalscoring Pursuit Ignite Premier League Buzz

The Premier League remains electrifying as fans recently voted on the September 2025 EA SPORTS Player of the Month award. A competitive shortlist features six standout talents whose performances captivated the division and its followers.

Erling Haaland of Manchester City leads the pack with a commanding September tally of five goals and one assist in six appearances, highlighted by a double against Manchester United and decisive strikes versus Arsenal and Burnley. The Norwegian not only tops the month’s scoring charts but doubles the direct goal involvement of his nearest competitors.

Close contenders include Crystal Palace's Daichi Kamada, whose instrumental role in an unbeaten September for the Eagles involved creative playmaking and relentless dueling. Brighton's Yankuba Minteh impressed with consistent scoring contributions including a goal and two assists across three matches, instrumental in his side’s draw at Tottenham and victory at Chelsea.

Sunderland’s rejuvenation in their Premier League return is partly credited to goalkeeper Robin Roefs and captain Granit Xhaka. Roefs kept two clean sheets and recorded 13 saves while Xhaka combined leadership and creativity, contributing assists and robust midfield battles. Arsenal's Martin Zubimendi also turned heads with his first-ever Premier League brace, firmly announcing his arrival in top-flight football.

Beyond monthly accolades, Haaland's extraordinary season continues to fuel the discussion around the greatest Premier League goalscorer in history. Having scored nine goals in seven league matches this campaign, Haaland’s tally across club and country in 2025/26 has reached 21 in 12 games. He is on track to surpass Alan Shearer’s record with a remarkable scoring rate of a goal every 92.2 minutes, far superior to legends like Sergio Aguero and Thierry Henry.

Football writer Alex Keble aptly summarized the mounting evidence: "I think we’re watching the greatest goalscorer to ever play in English football." Pep Guardiola added, "He is in the best moment... he feels like 'it’s mine' now.'" While Haaland’s poaching ability is unparalleled, debates continue comparing his all-round game to players like Henry and Kane, who excelled in creativity and clutch moments.

Meanwhile, off the pitch, a fierce exchange has reignited historic Premier League rivalries. Former Manchester City midfielder Joey Barton launched a vehement response to Wayne Rooney’s recent claims that Queens Park Rangers intentionally let Manchester City win the 2012 title. Barton dismissed the idea as a "conspiracy theory" and defended his teammates’ commitment to survival, not manipulation.

Barton’s explosive remarks included: "The game at Man City was not thrown... Man City won the league, and Man United never. Am I happy about that? Abso-f*-lutely because I hate Man United..." He further emphasized the fierce contest stating, "QPR stayed up, happy days. And you c* were all crying on the pitch... Get f*." Such candid retorts revive memories of one of English football's most dramatic finales and underscore the enduring passion that defines this iconic rivalry.

As this vibrant mix of excellence on the field and raw emotion off it unfolds, the Premier League continues to captivate global fans. With the Player of the Month race closing and Haaland's historic exploits in full swing, this autumn promises unforgettable football moments and stories that deepen the beautiful game’s rich tapestry.