Arsenal dominate PFA Team of the Year award with five stars named in best XI

Arsenal dominate the PFA Premier League Men’s Team of the Year with five players named in the best XI for last season.

The Gunners narrowly missed out on the 2023-24 Premier League title, taking the race to the final day of the season with Manchester City retaining their crown thanks to a two-point margin.

It was a second title challenge in as many seasons for Mikel Arteta’s men with the Spaniard having built a side capable of going toe-to-toe with City, hoping to go one step further this season.

Five Gunners were selected for the 2023-24 PFA Team of the Year, selected by their peers based on their performances over the past 12 months.

David Raya is named in goal after his debut season in the Arsenal goal, having quickly taken the no1 spot from Aaron Ramsdale and becoming Arteta’s regular no1.

William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães are also included having forged perhaps the best defensive partnership in the league with Saliba in particular excelling at the heart of defence.

Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice are both named in midfield. Odegaard was also named in last year’s best XI with Rice joining him after a superb first season at the club following his £105million move from West Ham United.

Manchester City’s Kyle Walker and Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk made up the rest of the backline.

Rodri’s exceptional season in midfield earned him a place in the side with Phil Foden and Erling Haaland in attack.

Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins completes the XI after a thrilling campaign that saw him score 19 Premier League goals.

City completed a PFA Player of the Year double with Foden and striker Bunny Shaw named men’s and women’s winners for 2023-24.

Chelsea star Cole Palmer meanwhile scooped the PFA Men’s Young Player of the Year award after netting 27 times in his first season at Stamford Bridge with Manchester United’s Grace Clinton scooping the women’s award.