Arsenal's title triumph for the first time in 22 years has left an unmistakable fingerprint on the Premier League Team of the Season for 2025-26. After a gruelling nine-month campaign that tested every squad to its limits, GOAL's writers and editors have selected an XI that reflects both the Gunners' domestic dominance and standout individual brilliance across the division.
David Raya commands the goalkeeper position after a masterclass in shot-stopping. The Spanish custodian secured his third consecutive Golden Glove award with an extraordinary 19 clean sheets across 38 league matches, maintaining a 70% save percentage. His season was punctuated by crucial interventions: a fingertip denial against Manchester United in August, a diving stop to preserve Arsenal's narrow victory over Brighton, and a miraculous save against Mateus Fernandes in the decisive clash with West Ham during the run-in. Raya now ranks among the Premier League's all-time elite for shutouts in a single season, cementing his place among football's finest goalkeepers.
Arsenal's Defensive Fortress
Jurrien Timber has entered elite conversation at right-back after marrying defensive solidity with attacking intent. The Dutch international contributed eight goal involvements across 30 Premier League appearances, despite injury setbacks interrupting his campaign. His season included a brace and assist against Leeds, while he provided crucial deliveries in both north London derbies and netted the decisive goal against Chelsea in March. Timber's versatility—strong in duels yet comfortable in possession—made him indispensable to Mikel Arteta's title-winning blueprint.
At centre-back, William Saliba displays the composure of a generational talent. The Frenchman operates with the smooth elegance of a top-tier defender, ranking in the 80th percentile for aerial duels won while demonstrating exceptional ball-playing ability. His season's sole goal proved decisive: the strike against Chelsea in March that exemplified his capacity to influence matches at both ends. Saliba's partnership with Gabriel Magalhaes formed the defensive cornerstone of Arsenal's historic campaign.
Gabriel Magalhaes completed Arsenal's backline representation with an all-action performance that blended aggression, intelligence, and big-game decisiveness. The Brazilian made telling contributions across both phases, earning consideration for the overall Premier League Player of the Year award among discerning observers. His influence extended beyond defensive metrics—he provided crucial moments when Arsenal needed them most during their march to the title.
Star Performers Beyond North London
The midfield and attacking ranks feature Bruno Fernandes and Erling Haaland among other elite performers who delivered consistency across the relentless campaign. These selections reflect a season where only the most resilient and skillful operators rose to prominence, separating themselves through relentless output and composure in decisive moments.
As the Premier League prepares for next season, this Team of the Season represents a snapshot of excellence during an unforgettable 2025-26 campaign. Arsenal's resurgence after two decades without silverware signals a shift in the title race, while individual standouts like Raya and Timber suggest sustained excellence may yet define the next era of English football.
