Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has sparked controversy after his votes for the Premier League's Manager of the Season were revealed, with two notable absentees causing particular surprise.
The Gunners boss, whose side pushed Manchester City to the final day in a thrilling title race, submitted his three nominations for the prestigious award without including either Liverpool's departing legend Jurgen Klopp or West Ham's European specialist David Moyes.
Arteta's Surprising Selections
Instead, Arteta backed his former mentor Pep Guardiola - the man who pipped him to the title - alongside Aston Villa's Unai Emery and Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola.
The selection appears particularly pointed given Klopp's emotional farewell tour and Moyes' successful tenure at West Ham, which included winning the Europa Conference League last season.
Klopp's Notable Absence
Many pundits expected Klopp to feature prominently in voting after guiding Liverpool to a third-place finish and Carabao Cup victory during what he described as a "transition season" for the club. The German's impact on the Premier League throughout his nine-year tenure made his omission especially surprising.
Moyes, who announced his departure from West Ham earlier this month, also failed to make Arteta's shortlist despite his impressive work in east London.
The Rivalry Factor
Arteta's decision to vote for Guardiola demonstrates professional respect between the title rivals, though some may view it as an acknowledgement of City's superiority in this season's championship battle.
The inclusion of Emery and Iraola highlights Arteta's appreciation for managers who have exceeded expectations, with Villa securing Champions League football and Bournemouth enjoying their best-ever Premier League campaign.
As the football world digests Arteta's controversial ballot, questions remain about whether personal relationships or tactical disagreements influenced his surprising selections.
