EDDIE Howe has been rewarded for Cherries' terrific start to the year by being named Premier League manager of the month for January.

Howe masterminded a stellar unbeaten run in the division through the four-game period, which saw Cherries move into the top half of the table.

The Dorset outfit drew 2-2 at Brighton on New Year’s Day before sealing a memorable 2-1 triumph over Arsenal at Vitality Stadium – the club’s first victory over the Gunners.

A 1-1 draw at West Ham followed before the famous 3-0 success over Chelsea – hailed by the Cherries boss as the best win of his tenure.

Howe told the club website: “It’s been a good month and I'd like to dedicate the award to everyone associated with the football club.

“The highlight was without doubt the Chelsea game but I don’t think we should forget the result against Arsenal.

“It’s not just about the results but the performances and the manner in which we played.

“We knew January would be a big month for us. There are always a lot of games at this time of year but we came through the month well.”

Howe saw off the likes of Carlos Carvalhal, Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp, Jose Mourinho, David Moyes and Mauricio Pochettino, who were also nominated for the accolade.

It is the second time he has won the monthly prize in the top flight, having also claimed the crown in March 2017.