Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk couldn’t resist a smile as Declan Rice spoke about Arsenal’s recent frustrations at the Professional Football Association’s awards gala.
The Liverpool pair were on stage at the Manchester Opera House on Tuesday night when Rice referenced the Gunners’ run of near misses in the Premier League.
‘It has obviously been really tough coming second three years in a row,’ Rice said. ‘But I have said it before, in life you have got to go through some small losses in order to win.’
At the mention of ‘small losses’, Salah turned to glance at Van Dijk. The Dutchman responded with a grin of his own, with cameras catching the light-hearted moment.
Arsenal have finished as runners-up three seasons running. They fell short to Manchester City in 2023 and 2024 before being pipped to the title last season by Arne Slot’s Liverpool.
Rice has been a key part of Mikel Arteta’s side since joining from West Ham in a £105million deal. The England international remains confident Arsenal can go one better this season despite their setbacks.
Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk couldn’t resist a smile as Declan Rice spoke about Arsenal ‘s recent frustrations
The Liverpool pair (second and fourth from left) could be seen grinning as Rice reflected on the Gunners’ hat-trick of second place finishes
Salah was named Players’ Player of the Year for a record third time on Tuesday night
Liverpool, meanwhile, dominated the evening’s awards. Salah, Van Dijk, Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Milos Kerkez were all included in the Team of the Year, with Salah also named Players’ Player of the Year for a record third time 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 most likely to challenge again this term.
‘I think you have a great team this season as you did last season,’ he said when asked about Arteta’s squad. ‘You have really good chance. I think you are the favourite now because you have players who have been together for five years.
‘I can’t say I’ll wish you luck — hopefully we do it again.’
Despite Salah’s assertion, bookmakers still have Liverpool as favourites to retain the title, with Arsenal second in the betting ahead of Manchester City and Chelsea.
