Santa Cruz and Wenger scoop awards

Blackburn striker Roque Santa Cruz has been named Barclays Player of the Month for December, with Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger handed the manager’s accolade.

Paraguay striker Santa Cruz scored six goals in as many Premier League appearances last month, with a hat-trick in the 5-3 defeat against Wigan.

The 26-year-old, who has scored 10 league goals so far, is the first Blackburn player to win the award since Chris Sutton 10 years ago.

It is the 10th time Wenger has been given the manager’s award.

The Frenchman’s side have lost only once since August and sit top of the table at present. He also won the award in September.