AI has picked the Premier League team of the season so far, and you might be surprised by some of the names that have named in the starting line-up
It’s been a blistering start to the 2026/27 Premier League campaign with Enzo Maresca’s Manchester City leading the way heading into the first international break of the season. The Italian is undefeated since returning to the Etihad Stadium and City look set to rival Arsenal in the title race once again.
Mikel Arteta’s side lost their 100 per cent win record last time out, when they were well beaten by Brighton & Hove Albion, but the Gunners are still second in the table. Arsenal made a bright start to the season but find themselves three points behind City.
The Seagulls are in third following that impressive win over the Gunners, while Brentford occupy the final spot in the top-four. The latter two clubs were in contention for European football last season and have picked up where they left off.
We asked Google Gemini to construct the Premier League Team of the Season so far, and players from the aforementioned four teams are featured in the starting XI. Using underlying statistics, metrics, and media coverage from the opening five gameweeks of the 2026/27 season, it named the 11 best players so far, and you might be surprised by some of those involved.
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football’s Facebook page
Goalkeeper
Lukas Hornicek (Newcastle United): Despite Newcastle’s mixed start, Hornicek leads the Premier League in saves (16), consistently keeping his team in matches with crucial shot-stopping.
The Czech shot stopper only signed for the Magpies in the summer transfer window in a £25.7m deal from Braga but has already had a major say in their early season results.
Defenders
Right-Back: Jack Hinshelwood (Brighton & Hove Albion): The England youth international is excelling in Brighton’s fluid system. Hinshelwood has already contributed two goals this season while remaining incredibly solid in possession.
Centre-Back: Dan Ballard (Sunderland): The Sunderland defender has shown no sign of second season syndrome and has been a physical force at the back. He leads the league in aerial duels won (20) and is ranking near the top for total duels won (33).
Centre-Back: Lewis Dunk (Brighton & Hove Albion): Dunk is statistically the best ball-playing defender in the league so far this season. He has completed 360 passes so far and heavily dictates the tempo of Brighton’s dominant possession game.
Left-Back: Joško Gvardiol (Manchester City): A staple in early Team of the Season selections, Gvardiol has successfully balanced defensive solidity with significant attacking output and high ball-recovery numbers.
Midfielders
Central Midfield: Vitaly Janelt (Brentford): The Brentford midfielder currently boasts the highest average statistical rating in the league (7.71). Janelt leads all players in interceptions (16) and anchors Brentford’s midfield brilliantly.
Central Midfield: Pascal Groß (Brighton & Hove Albion): The creative engine of the league so far, Groß sits firmly at the top of the charts for both chances created (13) and key passes (13).
Central Midfield: Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United): Although United continues to rebuild, Fernandes is once again a standout individual, registering three goals, leading the league in total shots (16), and consistently driving the attack forward.
Forwards
Right Winger: Bukayo Saka (Arsenal): The England international has three goals to his name and 14 fouls won. While some have questioned his recent form, the stats show Saka has been a positive outlet on the right flank, generating a massive 3.06 expected goals (xG).
Striker: Erling Haaland (Manchester City): Unsurprisingly, leading Erling Haaland leads the line. He tops the Golden Boot race with five goals, boasting the league’s highest xG (3.21) and most shots on target (9).
Left Winger: Joao Pedro (Chelsea): Joao Pedro has been arguably the most complete attacker in the opening weeks, racking up three goals and three assists while winning 34 ground duels.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login