Benitez and Lampard scoop awards

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has won the Barclays manager of the month award for October, while Chelsea's Frank Lampard is player of the month.

The Reds won all four of their league matches, in the process ending Chelsea's 86-game unbeaten home record, scoring eight goals and conceding six.

Lampard scored two goals in four league games, including a superb angled chip in his side's 3-0 win over Hull City.

It is the first time in three years the midfielder has won the monthly award.

Lampard is the second Chelsea player to win the award this season, after Deco won August's prize.

The 30-year-old Lampard has now won the award three times, one behind the record for the most monthly player accolades.

Six players have won the award on four occasions, including Lampard's England colleagues Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney.

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"Well done Rafa, celebrate by getting the team to put on the style against Bolton tomorrow"
coolsuperxabialonso

Benitez picks up his award having guided Liverpool to victories over Manchester City, Wigan Athletic, Chelsea and Portsmouth.

The Reds twice came from behind, against City and Wigan, then inflicted Chelsea's first home defeat in four years.

Liverpool ended the month with another win, as a late Steven Gerrard penalty proved enough to see off Portsmouth at Anfield.

Benitez has been named manager of the month four times, but has a long way to go to catch all-time record holder Sir Alex Ferguson, who has won the award 21 times in his career.

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