EPL: Paul Merson ‘shocked’ over Saka’s exclusion from Player of the Season shortlist

Forum 3 weeks ago

EPL: Paul Merson ‘shocked’ over Saka’s exclusion from Player of the Season shortlist

Arsenal legend, Paul Merson has expressed surprise at Bukayo Saka’s exclusion from the eight-man shortlist for Premier League player of the season.

Saka’s Arsenal teammates Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard secured spots on the list, while the England winger was overlooked.

During the season, the 22-year-old displayed remarkable form under manager Mikel Arteta, netting 16 goals and providing nine assists, contributing significantly to Arsenal’s title challenge.

However, Saka was nominated for young player of the season.

Recall that the eight-player shortlist included Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, Phil Foden, Erling Haaland, Virgil van Dijk, Ollie Watkins, Cole Palmer, and Alexander Isak.

When asked if he was surprised Saka was omitted from the shortlist, Merson told Sky Sports: “Yeah, very much so.

“When it comes to the vote, I think people forget about form at the start of the season. He was unplayable at the start of the season.”