Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk could not resist a smile when Declan Rice spoke about the recent frustrations of Arsenal on the Awards Gala of the Professional Football Association.
The Liverpool pair was on stage on Tuesday evening in the Manchester Opera House when Rice referred to the run of the Gunners of almost -Missers in the Premier League.
“It has clearly been really difficult to come three years in a row,” said Rice. “But I said it before, in life you have to go through a number of small losses to win.”
With the mention of 'small losses', Salah turned in a look at Van Dijk. The Dutchman responded with his own grin, with cameras that catch the light -hearted moment.
Arsenal finished as the second three seasons. They lacked Manchester City in 2023 and 2024 before they were written to the title by Liverpool from Arne Slot last season.
Rice is an important part of the side of Mikel Arteta since he came to a £ 105 million deal from West Ham. The international of England continues to trust that Arsenal can get better this season, despite their setbacks.
In the meantime, Liverpool dominated the prices of the evening. Salah, Van Dijk, Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Milos Kerkez were all included in the Team of the Year, where Salah was also mentioned for a third time after a record player player of the year, after a campaign that brought 29 goals, 18 assists and the league title.
The 32-year-old became the first player to win the Golden Boot, Playmaker Award and Premier League player of the season in the same campaign.
Salah also used the night to tip Arsenal as the side that is most likely to challenge this term again.
“I think you have a great team like last season this season,” he said when he was asked about the Arteta team. 'You really have a good chance. I think you are now the favorite because you have players who have been together for five years.
“I can't say I wish you luck – hopefully we will do it again.”
Despite the statement of Salah, Bookmakers still have Liverpool as favorites to keep the title, with Arsenal second in the gamble for Manchester City and Chelsea.