Declan Rice was one of two men who dominated the vote for this year’s award, but ultimately missed out to Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes
Declan Rice has missed out on being named Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year, with Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes taking the crown.
The Arsenal star came second after he and United skipper Fernandes – enjoying the season of his life – dominated the voting for the award.
Fernandes scooped the award with 45 per cent of the vote and pipped England ace Rice to the award by a mere 28 votes from the FWA’s 900-plus members.
Fernandes has provided 19 assists in the Premier League this season and, with three games left, he is on course to beat Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne who jointly hold the record of 20 in a single season.
FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
READ MORE: Every word Mikel Arteta said on Arsenal celebrations, West Ham, Timber, Lewis-Skelly and GyokeresREAD MORE: Mikel Arteta issues Arsenal injury update as two stars ruled out vs West Ham
But Rice has been a dominant force in Arsenal’s push for Premier League and Champions League glory, shining for Mikel Arteta’s men and helping lead them towards two major titles.
Interestingly, while Fernandes – whose form has helped United race up the table since parting with Ruben Amorim, leaving them heading into next season’s Champions League – was the only United star to poll a vote, becoming the club’s first winner of the prestigious award since Wayne Rooney in 2010, FOUR Arsenal players all received votes.
The other three were goalkeeper David Raya, defender Gabriel and Bukayo Saka.
Manchester City’s leading scorer Erling Haaland came in third place and is on course to be the Premier League’s Golden Boot winner.
Bunny Shaw has made it a Manchester double with a landslide victory after her goals helped Manchester City to their first Women’s Super League title in ten years. City striker Shaw has won the award for a second time thanks to her amazing goal rush which also sees her top the goal charts in the WSL.
She has had another amazing season which has also helped City win the WSL title for the first time in a decade after years of Chelsea domination.
Arsenal’s Alessia Russo – who was last year’s winner – was second while Chelsea star Lauren James finished third.
FWA chair John Cross, the Daily Mirror’s chief football writer, said: “Both players have been so influential in their team’s performances this season. They are also such great examples and role models in the game.
“Bruno is on course to break records and has thrilled us with his skill. Bunny is such a worthy winner. She is a fabulous person and an outstanding choice and player.”
The winners will be presented with the awards at a prestigious dinner in London on May 19.
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.
