The Premier League 2025-26 season has concluded, and the Team of the Season features standout performers from Arsenal, Manchester City, and other clubs. Compiled by WhoScored, the XI includes Bruno Fernandes, Elliot Anderson, Igor Thiago, and several Arsenal and Manchester City players.
Goalkeeper: David Raya (Arsenal)
Raya kept 19 clean sheets and won his third consecutive Golden Glove, just one short of Petr Cech and Joe Hart's record. His game-defining interventions in high-pressure moments, such as against Brighton in December, at Stamford Bridge in March, and a crucial smothering save from Mateus Fernandes against West Ham in the final weeks, were pivotal for Arsenal's title success.
Defenders
Matheus Nunes (Manchester City)
After Pep Guardiola publicly questioned his midfield intelligence, Nunes reinvented himself as one of the league's best right-backs. His athleticism and ball-carrying ability set him apart, making him a key figure for City.
Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal)
Gabriel formed the best centre-back partnership in the league, embracing the physical side of defense. He made 32 appearances with 17 clean sheets, the most among defenders. Arsenal conceded only 27 league goals, their best since the Invincibles. Gabriel also contributed three goals and four assists, with his aerial presence crucial for set-piece goals.
William Saliba (Arsenal)
After admitting he struggled last season, Saliba focused on improvement. He was dribbled past just seven times, the third fewest in the league, and completed 92.9% of his passes. His composure and ambition signal a bright future.
Nico O'Reilly (Manchester City)
The 21-year-old academy graduate displaced £36m signing Rayan Aït-Nouri at left-back. O'Reilly thrived in Guardiola's system, stepping into midfield or attacking the back post. He finished with nine goals and six assists in all competitions, earning a World Cup call-up.
Midfielders
Declan Rice (Arsenal)
Rice was Arsenal's heartbeat, creating 63 chances, more than any teammate, and regaining possession most often. His relentless work protected the league's best defense. He evolved from a defensive midfielder to Arsenal's "Mr Everything."
Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
Fernandes won multiple awards, including Football Writers' player of the year. He broke the Premier League assists record with 21, surpassing Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne, and created 136 chances, 58 more than any other player. He achieved this while playing deeper under Ruben Amorim.
Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest)
Anderson was a constant for Forest, leading the league in touches and duels won. The 23-year-old covered over 250 miles, second only to James Garner. His passing and ball-carrying turned defense into attack.
Forwards
Antoine Semenyo (Manchester City)
After being rejected by academies, Semenyo joined City for £62.5m in January and scored 17 Premier League goals, ranking third. He scored five in his first eight league appearances and netted the only goal in the FA Cup final, solving Guardiola's winger issue.
Igor Thiago (Brentford)
Thiago scored 22 goals, surpassing expectations. Only Harry Kane (36), Erling Haaland (27), Kylian Mbappé (25), and Vedat Muriqi (23) scored more in Europe's top five leagues. He replaced the output of Ivan Toney, Bryan Mbeumo, and Yoane Wissa.
Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
Haaland scored 27 league goals, his second-best return in England. He adapted to Guardiola's direct approach, acting as a facilitator with eight open-play assists, ranking third behind Rayan Cherki and Fernandes.
