Nathan Butler-Oyedeji has been crowned the Premier League 2 Player of the Month for August.
The 21-year-old forward netted four times and got two assists across the month, contributing to all three of our wins as we began the season with nine points out of nine.
Strike partner Khayon Edwards was also nominated for the award and helped fire us to the top of the table with three goals and two assists.
Speaking at Sobha Realty Training Centre this week, Nathan said: “It feels good. It feels like an honour. I’m happy to win the award and, most importantly, help my teammates through the month of August.
“I just try to get my head down and I have good players playing the chances through to me. My focus from the start of the season has been to a be a bit more productive and deadly in front of goal.
“I love playing with Khayon. I’ve played with him since I was a small boy, so we know each other’s games really well. We really play close to each other on the pitch as well. Off the pitch, we’re really best friends, so it helps on the pitch because the chemistry is there. I love playing with him and I want to continue having a fruitful partnership."
"Responsibilities are for big players. I think I'm able to lead the team well."
Given the captain's armband for two out of three of our PL2 fixtures in August, Nathan described the pride he felt to lead out our young Gunners.
“I really appreciate Mehmet for trusting me with the captain’s armband," he said. It’s a lot of responsibility but responsibilities are for big players, so I think I’m able to lead the team well and I’m thankful for the opportunities he’s given me.
“Everyone’s on the same page. Everyone knows what they’re doing, like one vehicle, selfless and playing for the team and that shows in the results."
Asked to reflect on his loan moves to Accrington Stanley and Cheltenham Town and what they did for his development, Nathan added: "They hardened me up to be frank. It showed me the men’s game, it showed me the ugly side of the game as some would call it. I’m thankful to both clubs for the opportunities.”
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