The Premier League is back! The 2025/26 season kicked off this weekend, and fans were treated to lots of goals, drama, and top performances. That means it’s time for lineup chosen from the players who impressed the most.
Arsenal stayed strong in defense and beat Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford (that’s United’s home stadium, nicknamed “The Theatre of Dreams”). Meanwhile, Liverpool, the defending champions, started with fireworks—winning 4-2 against Bournemouth.
Manchester City and Tottenham also grabbed victories, while Sunderland and Leeds made a statement in their return to the Premier League with unexpected wins.
Here’s how the Team of the Week shaped up, plus some fun soccer facts along the way.
Goalkeeper
David Raya (Arsenal) – Player of the Match
Raya, who has already won the Golden Glove (that’s the award for most clean sheets in a season) two times, showed why he’s one of the best. Against Manchester United, he made seven saves to secure Arsenal’s first clean sheet of the new season. Without him, Arsenal might not have walked away with all three points.
Defense
Rico Lewis (Manchester City) – 8.3 Rating
City began their title chase with a 4-0 win over Wolves, and academy graduate Lewis made a big impact. He set up Erling Haaland’s first goal with a smart pass and completed nine of his 12 passes in the attacking third.
Soccer Fact: Haaland scored 36 goals in the Premier League in the 2022/23 season, breaking the record for most goals in a single campaign.
Dan Ballard (Sunderland) – 9.5 Rating (Highest of the Week!)
What a Premier League comeback for Sunderland! Their 3-0 win over West Ham was powered by Ballard, who dominated in defense and attack. He scored with a header, had four shots, won 10 duels, and made nine clearances. His rating of 9.5 was the best of the weekend—earning him Premier League Player of the Week honors.
Soccer Combo: Scoring + Defending = Ballard was everywhere!
Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool) – 8.1 Rating
Liverpool’s captain was a wall at the back. Against Bournemouth, he won 12 of 13 aerial duels (almost unbeatable in the air) and made 17 clearances. He also helped build play from the back with 63 passes.
Soccer Fact: Van Dijk once went 65 Premier League home games without being dribbled past—an incredible record.
Rayan Aït-Nouri (Manchester City) – 8.1 Rating
Facing his old team Wolves, Aït-Nouri showed no nerves. He made four tackles, six clearances, and three interceptions. That’s called “shutting the door” on your opponent.
Midfield
Mohammed Kudus (Tottenham) – 8.2 Rating
On his Spurs debut, Kudus grabbed two assists in a 3-0 win over Burnley. He was full of tricks, delivering 10 crosses, with two finding Richarlison for goals.
Soccer News: Kudus was linked with moves to Arsenal and Chelsea last season before finally joining Tottenham.
Pape Matar Sarr (Tottenham) – 8.2 Rating
Sarr showed energy and creativity. He assisted Brennan Johnson’s goal and made 16 passes into the final third. He also won 10 duels, proving he’s more than just a passer.
Bernardo Silva (Manchester City) – 8.3 Rating
Bernardo is City’s magician in midfield. Against Wolves, he created two big chances, completed 97% of his passes, and crossed the ball five times. Even without an assist, he controlled the game.
Cody Gakpo (Liverpool) – 8.5 Rating
Liverpool’s attack was buzzing, and Gakpo stood out. He scored a brilliant goal after dribbling through defenders and curling his shot into the corner.
Soccer Fact: Gakpo has scored in both the Premier League and the World Cup—something not every player can claim.
Forwards
Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool) – 8.1 Rating
New signing Ekitike made the dream debut: one goal and one assist. His first strike came after a strong run through midfield, and later he set up Gakpo.
Soccer Combo: Goal + Assist = The perfect debut package.
Richarlison (Tottenham) – 8.6 Rating
Summer rumors said he might leave Spurs, but Richarlison silenced the critics. He scored twice against Burnley—the first with a sharp finish and the second with a crazy bicycle kick.
Soccer Fact: Richarlison has scored for Brazil at both the Olympics (winning gold in 2021) and the World Cup.
Team of the Week (4-4-2 Formation)
GK: Raya (Arsenal)
DEF: Rico Lewis (Man City), Ballard (Sunderland), Van Dijk (Liverpool), Aït-Nouri (Man City)
MID: Kudus (Spurs), Sarr (Spurs), Bernardo Silva (Man City), Gakpo (Liverpool)
FWD: Ekitike (Liverpool), Richarlison (Spurs)
Final Take
The opening weekend gave us big saves, creative assists, and stunning goals. Raya’s heroics, Ballard’s all-around dominance, Gakpo’s silky finish, and Richarlison’s bicycle kick all made headlines.
If this is how week one went, then the 2025/26 Premier League season could be one of the most exciting ever.