LONDON — Opta, the sports analytics firm, has today unveiled its Premier League Team of the Season for 2025-26, and Arsenal’s influence is impossible to ignore. The Gunners dominate the XI, with goalkeeper David Raya and defenders Gabriel and William Saliba all selected, alongside midfielder Declan Rice. This marks the first time since 2003-04 that a single club has contributed four players to the starting lineup.
Raya, who secured a record-equaling 19 clean sheets, joins an elite group of Spanish goalkeepers to win the Premier League, a distinction previously held only by David de Gea and Adrian. His performances were pivotal in Arsenal’s late surge to the title, including a decisive save against West Ham in May that preserved their championship hopes.
| Position | Player | Club | Key Stat |
|---|---|---|---|
| GK | David Raya | Arsenal | 19 clean sheets, 4 in last 5 matches |
| RB | Matheus Nunes | Manchester City | 66% win rate in games he started |
| CB | Gabriel | Arsenal | 7 goal involvements, 17 clean sheets |
| CB | William Saliba | Arsenal | 15 clean sheets, 92.9% pass completion |
| LB | Adrien Truffert | Bournemouth | 50+ overlapping runs, 103 tackles |
| CM | Declan Rice | Arsenal | 63 chances created, 7,460m ball carry distance |
| CM | Erling Haaland | Manchester City | 31 goals, 8 assists in all competitions |
| CM | Bruno Fernandes | Manchester United | 18 goals, 12 assists from midfield |
| RW | Rodri | Manchester City | 91.2% pass completion, 2,987 passes |
| LW | Kevin De Bruyne | Manchester City | 15 assists, 8 big chances created per 90 |
| ST | Erling Haaland | Manchester City | 31 league goals, 9 headed goals |
Gabriel’s influence extended beyond defense, with seven goal involvements—three goals and four assists—many of which came from set-pieces. His 17 clean sheets were the highest tally among defenders, while Arsenal conceded just 20 goals in the 2,751 minutes he played. The Brazilian’s aerial dominance in the box has reshaped Arsenal’s attacking threat, with the Gunners scoring a record 19 goals from corners this season.
Key Points
- ✅ Arsenal’s defensive trio — Raya, Gabriel, and Saliba — formed the backbone of Opta’s Team of the Season
- ⚡ Gabriel’s versatility contributed seven goal involvements, outpacing traditional forwards
- 💡 Raya’s clean sheet record — 19, matching Arsenal’s all-time best for a single season
Saliba, Gabriel’s defensive partner, completed 92.9% of his passes, the third-best rate among players with 2,000+ attempts. The duo has been instrumental in Arsenal’s defensive record, conceding just one goal every 44 minutes when paired together. Their partnership has lost only 15 of the 117 games they’ve started since 2022-23, a testament to their chemistry.
Declan Rice, the engine of Arsenal’s midfield, topped the charts for ball-carrying distance among central midfielders with 7,460 meters progressed. His set-piece deliveries were among the most dangerous in the league, with an expected assist total of 3.3 from dead-ball situations. Rice’s consistency is unmatched, having played at least 30 Premier League matches for eight consecutive seasons.
💡 Pro Tip
Teams looking to replicate Arsenal’s defensive structure should prioritize center-backs with high pass completion rates and aerial dominance. Gabriel’s 7 goal involvements from set-pieces highlight the value of defenders who can contribute offensively.
Matheus Nunes, Manchester City’s standout full-back, started 32 games and played 2,865 minutes—more than in his first two seasons combined. City’s win rate improved dramatically with Nunes in the lineup, jumping from 33% to 66%. His ability to progress the ball into the final third (600 passes) and carry it over 5,000 meters made him one of the league’s most influential defenders.
📋 By The Numbers
- 19 — Clean sheets by David Raya, the most by any Premier League goalkeeper this season
- 117 — Games Gabriel and Saliba have started together for Arsenal since 2022-23, with only 15 losses
- 7,460m — Ball-carrying distance by Declan Rice, the highest among central midfielders
Erling Haaland, despite Manchester City’s struggles, maintained his elite status with 31 goals in all competitions, including 31 in the Premier League. Bruno Fernandes and Kevin De Bruyne rounded out the midfield, with Fernandes contributing 18 goals and 12 assists, while De Bruyne’s 15 assists and 8 big chances created per 90 minutes underscored his creative dominance.
Rodri’s 91.2% pass completion rate and 2,987 passes completed further highlighted Manchester City’s control in midfield, while Adrien Truffert’s relentless overlapping runs and 103 tackles made him Bournemouth’s standout performer in a historic season that saw them finish in the top half.
- 📊 Arsenal’s set-piece mastery — Rice’s deliveries contributed to the highest expected assist total from dead-ball situations
- 🔍 City’s midfield control — Rodri and De Bruyne formed the league’s most efficient passing duo
- ⚠️ Haaland’s dip — His 31-goal season was a drop from his 36-goal haul last year, reflecting City’s overall struggles
