EPL: Dean Smith wins Manager of the Month award for December

Aston Villa Manager, Dean Smith has been named Premier League Manager of the Month after leading his team to three wins and two draws from their five games in December.

Villa achieved away wins at Midlands rivals Wolves and West Brom and beat Crystal Palace at home.

Smith’s side also drew at Villa Park against Burnley and secured an unbeaten month with a draw at Chelsea.

Villa conceded just one goal in their five December fixtures and have conceded only 16 in the Premier League all season – the second-fewest in the division.

They currently sit eighth in the league and are just six points outside the top four, with two games in hand on many of their rivals.