Arsenal's Defensive Wall Dominates Premier League Team of the Year as Players Cast Their Votes
Arsenal's title-winning defence has been recognised by their fellow professionals, with five Gunners players named in the Premier League team of the year — the most of any club. The PFA (Professional Footballers' Association) team of the year, voted for by players across the division, was dominated by champions Arsenal and runners-up Manchester City, who supplied nine of the eleven names between them (BBC Sport).
The defensive spine tells the story of Arsenal's season. David Raya in goal, backed by Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes and Declan Rice, all made the XI. Arsenal conceded only 27 goals across the entire 2024-25 Premier League campaign — a figure that speaks to a back line that gave almost nothing away (BBC Sport). For context, that is the kind of defensive record that wins titles, and Arsenal's players are now being individually rewarded for the collective wall they built.
Manchester City provided four names: Nico O'Reilly, Rayan Cherki, Erling Haaland and Antoine Semenyo. Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United took one of the midfield berths, while Brentford forward Igor Thiago — a debutant in the team of the year — completed the eleven. His inclusion is a notable moment: the team of the year tends to favour players from the biggest clubs, so a Brentford striker forcing his way in is worth pausing on.
The PFA shortlists for the individual Player of the Year awards were announced back on 4 June 2026 (PFA). Fernandes, Cherki and Haaland were all among the six men nominated for the top award. Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick said in March that he would love to see his captain Fernandes take the prize (manutd.com). Arsenal's Declan Rice and Chelsea's Lauren James were also shortlisted for their respective Player of the Year awards (Sky Sports).
The Women's Super League team of the year followed a familiar pattern. Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal — the top three sides — each contributed three players. Manchester United's Jess Park and Tottenham defender Toko Koga were the only selections from outside that leading trio (BBC Sport). The full WSL XI featured Hannah Hampton, Kerstin Casparij, Toko Koga, Ellie Carpenter, Emily Fox, Yui Hasegawa, Mariona Caldentey, Jess Park, Bunny Shaw, Alessia Russo and Lauren James.
Bunny Shaw's presence in that team of the year carries its own weight. The Manchester City forward was the 2024 PFA Players' Player of the Year (PFA), and her inclusion again signals that she continues to perform at the level her peers have already recognised as the very best.
The PFA also paid tribute to Bob Purkiss MBE, recognised for a lifetime of service to equality, inclusion and football (PFA). A reminder that the players' union's reach extends far beyond the awards stage.
For fans, the team of the year is one of the purest honours in the game. No journalists, no pundits — just the verdict of the people who share the pitch. When five of your club's players make it, that is the dressing room across the country telling you who really ran the season.
