Football pundits Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher have unveiled their Premier League teams of the season, showcasing a dominance of Arsenal and Manchester City players while omitting Erling Haaland from Carragher’s lineup.
As the Premier League season nears its thrilling conclusion, with title rivals City and Arsenal set to battle it out on the final day, Neville and Carragher have shared their picks for the best XI, with notable absences of Manchester United stars in both selections.
Dominance of Arsenal and City Players
Both Neville and Carragher crafted their teams with a blend of Arsenal and City players, reflecting the impressive performances of these clubs throughout the season.
Arsenal’s defensive duo of William Saliba and Gabriel secured spots in both lineups, highlighting the Gunners’ defensive solidity.
Meanwhile, midfield contributions from Martin Odegaard and Phil Foden showcased the prowess of both Arsenal and City in midfield battles.
Formation and Selections
Neville opted for a 4-3-3 formation, with Emiliano Martinez guarding the goal and Haaland spearheading the attack alongside rising star Cole Palmer.
In contrast, Carragher favored a 3-2-4-1 setup, with Everton’s Jordan Pickford between the posts and Ollie Watkins leading the line instead of Haaland.
Carragher’s decision to exclude Haaland raised eyebrows, with the Liverpool icon citing the Norwegian’s performance in crucial matches as underwhelming.
Haaland’s Omission and Criticism
Carragher defended his decision to omit Haaland, expressing disappointment in the striker’s contributions against elite opposition.
Despite Haaland’s impressive goal-scoring record, Carragher questioned his impact in high-stakes encounters, referencing matches against top-tier clubs in the Premier League and Champions League.
However, Neville staunchly defended Haaland’s inclusion, praising his goal-scoring prowess and predicting his continued dominance in world football.
Individual Awards and Analysis
In addition to selecting their teams of the season, Neville and Carragher deliberated on various individual awards, including the Premier League’s best player and best newcomer.
While there was debate over the best player of the season, with Foden, Palmer, and Odegaard in contention, both pundits recognized the exceptional talent of Palmer, naming him the Premier League’s young player of the year.
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice received praise as the best signing of the season, highlighting his impact since joining from West Ham.
Analysis of Overachieving and Underachieving Teams
Neville and Carragher also identified teams that exceeded expectations and those that fell short. Aston Villa, led by Ollie Watkins, impressed Carragher with their pursuit of Champions League qualification, while Neville highlighted Bournemouth’s unexpected success under Erik ten Hag.
However, both pundits agreed on Manchester United’s status as the biggest underachievers, reflecting on their disappointing campaign under ten Hag’s management.
Conclusion
As the Premier League season draws to a close, Neville and Carragher’s teams of the season offer insights into the standout performers and key trends throughout the campaign.
Despite differences in selection and analysis, both pundits recognize the exceptional talent and competitive nature of England’s top-flight league.
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