Arsenal and Manchester City have firmly asserted their dominance over English football, locking down nine out of the eleven spots in the 2025/26 PFA Premier League Team of the Year announced at the Manchester Opera House on Tuesday.
The player-voted lineup underscores a massive power shift in the top flight, with Mikel Arteta’s tactical masterclass and Pep Guardiola’s squad depth earning ultimate respect from their professional peers.
Details obtained from the PFA website confirmed this.
All-North London Backline
Arsenal’s near-impenetrable defensive unit was the big winner of the night, securing four out of five defensive positions.
Goalkeeper David Raya takes the gloves, shielded by the formidable center-back pairing of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães.
Completing the Gunners’ backline dominance is fullback Jurriën Timber, cementing Arsenal’s reputation as the most feared defensive block in the country.
Meanwhile, Declan Rice is voted in the midfield for his worthy contribution to Arsenal’s EPL success.
City’s Rising Stars, Creative Hub
Manchester City countered Arsenal’s defensive wall by sweeping the midfield and attacking echelons.
In a tactical twist, City’s breakout sensation Nico O’Reilly—who also picked up the PFA Men’s Young Player of the Year award—was voted into the defensive unit by his peers.
Further up the pitch, City’s creative pulse was recognized with a spot for Rayan Cherki, while the lethal Erling Haaland and the dynamic Antoine Semenyo spearhead a terrifying forward line.
Outliers: Fernandes, Thiago Break Duopoly
Only two players outside the Arsenal-Manchester City rivalry managed to break into the prestigious eleven.
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes claimed his rightful place in the midfield engine room.
His individual brilliance throughout the campaign was further validated as he took home the evening’s ultimate crown: the PFA Men’s Players’ Player of the Year award.
Joining the elite lineup upfront is Brentford’s clinical striker Igor Thiago, whose remarkable goal-scoring form earned him a stunning recognition from his fellow professionals.
The star-studded lineup reflects a season defined by a relentless two-horse race, proving that while individual brilliance shines across the league, Arsenal and Manchester City currently dictate the standard of elite football in England.
Tosin Oyediran is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over eight years of professional experience in reporting and storytelling. He is known for conducting incisive interviews and producing compelling human-angle stories that bring clarity and depth to the news. Tosin covers a broad range of beats including politics, health, advocacy, sports, and entertainment, with a strong focus on people-centred reporting. His work reflects firsthand newsroom experience, editorial insight, and a commitment to accurate, engaging, and trustworthy journalism.
