Published : 26 Aug 2026, 04:50 PM
Updated : 08 Sep 2026, 09:36 AM
Arsenal’s title-winning campaign has been recognised by their Premier League peers, with five Gunners making the PFA Team of the Year after the club ended a 22-year wait to be crowned English champions.
David Raya, Gabriel Magalhães, William Saliba, Jurriën Timber and Declan Rice were all selected in the best XI unveiled at the PFA Awards in Manchester on Tuesday.
No club had more representatives than Arsenal, who secured their first Premier League crown last season since the Invincibles of 2003-04.
The five selections also underline the defensive foundation of Mikel Arteta’s champions, with goalkeeper Raya joined by three members of Arsenal’s back line in Gabriel, Saliba and Timber.
Raya earned his place after keeping 19 clean sheets on his way to a third successive Premier League Golden Glove, while Arsenal conceded just 27 league goals during their championship campaign -- their best defensive record since 2003-04.
Rice was the only Arsenal player selected further forward, taking his place in midfield alongside Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes and Manchester City’s Rayan Cherki.
City had four representatives in the XI, with Nico O’Reilly joining the Arsenal trio in defence and Cherki, Erling Haaland and Antoine Semenyo also selected.
Brentford striker Igor Thiago completed the team.
Fernandes, meanwhile, beat three Arsenal players to the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award.
Raya, Gabriel and Rice had made up half of the six-man shortlist for the top individual honour, but Fernandes took the prize after registering a Premier League-record 21 assists during the 2025-26 campaign.
Saliba Makes It Four In A Row
Saliba’s inclusion in the XI extended a remarkable run of recognition from his fellow professionals, with the France defender now featuring in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year for four consecutive seasons.
The 25-year-old has been a fixture at the heart of Arsenal’s defence throughout their rise under Arteta, culminating in last season’s long-awaited title triumph.
Gabriel and Rice are also returning members of the PFA XI after being selected alongside Saliba in 2025.
