Merson reacts to Saka’s exclusion from Player of the Season shortlist

Former Arsenal star, Paul Merson has in a recent statement has reacted to Bukayo Saka’s exclusion from the Premier League player of the season shortlist.

Merson expressed surprise at Saka’s exclusion from the eight-man shortlist as he believed the Gunners star impressed to be nominated.

While Saka didn’t make it to the list, two of his Arsenal teammates Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard secured spots on the list.

Recall that Sakak during the start of the season showed remarkable form under manager Mikel Arteta, scoring 16 goals and creating nine assists, contributing significantly to Arsenal’s title challenge.

Saka was instead nominated for young player of the season.

The eight-player shortlisted for the Premier League player of the season include 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 excluded from the shortlist, Merson told Sky Sports: “Yeah, very much so.”

He pointed out that people forget about the form at the start of the season, adding that Saka was unplayable at the start of the season.

Meanwhile, Saka is expected to return to action on Sunday when Arsenal take on Man Utd at Old Trafford.