Arsenal fans are up in arms after centre-back duo William Saliba and Gabriel were left off the Premier League's nominations for Player of the Year. Two of their team-mates, Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice, have been given the nod but no appreciation has been given to the division's strongest defence.
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The Gunners have conceded just 28 goals in 36 league games, five fewer than the second-best tally by Manchester City, as Saliba and Gabriel have featured in every single fixture.
The foundation for Arsenal's title charge has been laid by the centre-halves, who are often credited by their team-mates as reasons for the team's transformation in recent years, but that same opinion does not appear to have extended to the Premier League.
Odegaard and Rice have been joined by Manchester City duo Erling Haaland and Phil Foden on the list of nominations, which also features Cole Palmer, Ollie Watkins, Alexander Isak and Virgil van Dijk and fans have until May 13 to vote for the winner.
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But fans cannot believe that neither of the stand-out defenders from north London were deemed worthy recipients, as on X (formerly known as Twitter) @n4than_01 wrote: "Gabriel absolutely robbed not to be even nominated."
That sentiment was echoed loudly, also extended to Gabriel's French partner in crime, as @elujah_a added: "Saliba or Gabriel should have been there too."
Eight outstanding nominees, but there can only be one winner...
— Premier League (@premierleague) May 9, 2024
It's time to vote for your 2023/24 @EASPORTSFC Player of the Season ?????? #PLAwards
Many were surprised that Van Dijk was picked over the two Arsenal defender, despite the Liverpool captain's quality, considering Jurgen Klopp's outfit have conceded 10 more goals this campaign.
On social media, @akinalure wrote: "Vvd (Van Dijk) over Saliba or Gabriel is criminal," a view that was shared by plenty, including @Agent_Reliable who responded to the league's post with: "Virgil? Arsenal got the best defence this season and Saliba, Gabriel or White being nominated?"
However, the Premier League's official reasoning for Van Dijk's inclusion over Saliba or Gabriel read: "Liverpool's Dutch centre-back has been back to his best in Jurgen Klopp's final season at the club. The 32-year-old has made the third most passes in the league and been dribbled past only twice all season, while his 186 duels won are the second most of any centre-back."
