Arsenal and Manchester City Dominate Premier League Team of the Season

Four apiece for Arsenal and Manchester City in the Premier League's finest eleven thus far—a neat reflection of the title race's principal contenders.

Using WhoScored's ratings as our measuring stick—essentially Opta's statistical algorithms with their well-known affinity for rewarding activity—we've constructed this XI from players who've started a minimum of 24 Premier League matches. The system favours the aerially commanding centre-back over the contemplative passer, for what it's worth.

Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma (Manchester City)

The towering Italian has been largely assured between the posts. An eleventh clean sheet arrived at Leeds United, though back-to-back defeats to Nottingham Forest and West Ham—where he wasn't called upon at all—proved less tidy. A Carabao Cup medal followed while warming the bench, another game without a save required.

His credentials were strong enough to merit serious consideration for the season's best signings. He's kept additional shutouts against Chelsea and Burnley, posting a save percentage of 72.5%, comfortably superior to David Raya's 69.8% and the division's best. A rare lapse against Arsenal was overshadowed by one genuinely outstanding intervention. When Manchester City fell apart at Everton, conceding three, he bore no responsibility. Another clean sheet against Brentford preceded an FA Cup winners' medal earned from the bench.

Right-back: Jurrien Timber (Arsenal)

Marginal separation between Timber and Matheus Nunes here, but the Arsenal man edges it—precisely the verdict the PFA Team of the Year will likely reach. Reece James would occupy this slot without question, were his injury record remotely reliable. Regrettably, it isn't.

Centre-back: Gabriel (Arsenal)

Arguably the Premier League's premier centre-back, though his theatrical tumbles remain a blemish on an otherwise commanding record. He notched a fourth assist during Set Piece FC's triumph over Chelsea. Twenty-three clearances across two clean-sheet performances against Brighton and Everton followed, despite a goalless drought since January that threatens an embarrassing capitulation. He escaped a red card against Manchester City through sheer fortune.

Centre-back: James Tarkowski (Everton)

A goal and assist in the 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace earned Tarkowski his place, but it's his aerial dominance that truly secured selection. Very much the Moyes-era Everton defender: all industry and set-piece prowess.

Left-back: Nico O'Reilly (Manchester City)

Returning to left-back for the Chelsea victory, O'Reilly struck his fifth Premier League goal of the campaign. His display against Arsenal, when City seized the initiative in the title race, proved equally commanding. Central midfield duties called against Burnley, but left-back remains his most productive berth this season.

Central midfield: Declan Rice (Arsenal)

Five Premier League assists now to his name, with Chelsea's defeat providing the latest one—Arsenal's set-piece reliance remains conspicuous, and Rice orchestrates them expertly. Visibly exhausted now, though. Bernardo Silva ran rings around him at the Etihad, and he managed zero tackles during Newcastle's defeat. A half-hour respite against Fulham wouldn't go amiss.

Central midfield: Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest)

An extraordinary campaign beckons a World Cup starting berth and a £100m-plus transfer to one of Manchester's blue-clad suitors, complete with Champions League football. He contributed two assists in the 3-2 defeat to Manchester United.

Right wing: Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)

Seven goals and four assists accumulated, including the brace against Fulham as Arsenal cruised to victory. Could he prove decisive in the title-race endgame? His West Ham performance suggested otherwise.

Attacking midfield: Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)

Presently the division's finest operator, Fernandes has accumulated a staggering 20 Premier League assists this season—a tally that demands proper analysis.

Left wing: Antoine Semenyo (Manchester City)

Fifteen Premier League goals now, courtesy of strikes against Wolves, Tottenham, Fulham, Leeds United, and Nottingham Forest in City blue. Only Erling Haaland and Igor Thiago have netted more. His FA Cup winner's medal crowned an impressive half-season's work.

Striker: Erling Haaland (Manchester City)

The goal-scoring tap has slowed marginally, yet 26 Premier League goals across 34 games remains respectable. Only Fernandes, Rayan Cherki, and Jarrod Bowen have orchestrated more Premier League assists thus far.