Manchester City successfully held off strong challenges from Arsenal to secure their third consecutive English top-tier title. This accomplishment was further magnified by their historic treble, which included victories in the FA Cup and the Champions League.
Among the notable figures, Erling Haaland stands out as one of the five Manchester City players earning a spot in the esteemed annual XI. His remarkable inaugural season with the club led to his crowning as the 2022-23 PFA Player of the Year. Haaland's exceptional performance saw him score an astonishing 52 goals in 53 appearances across various competitions, with a record-breaking 36 goals in 35 Premier League matches.
Additional standout Manchester City players featured in the lineup are John Stones, Ruben Dias, Rodri, and Kevin De Bruyne. Each contributed significantly to the team's triumphant treble. While Stones showcased his versatility as a defender and midfielder, Dias showcased his defensive prowess and earned his second consecutive selection in the PFA XI. Rodri solidified his status as one of the Premier League's premier midfielders and key Manchester City players. De Bruyne's remarkable fifth inclusion in the PFA XI was driven by his 16 assists – the highest in the Premier League – and seven goals in the previous season.
In parallel, Arsenal boasts four representatives in the Team of the Year, including the standout forward Bukayo Saka, who also earned the title of the 2022-23 PFA Young Player of the Year. Saka's exceptional performance included 15 goals and 11 assists in 48 appearances across various competitions. He joined the elite company of just two Premier League players, Mohamed Salah being the other, in achieving double-digit figures for both goals and assists.
Goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale earned his place with a notable 14 clean sheets in the Premier League – only surpassed by David de Gea. The defensive duo of William Saliba and Martin Odegaard also secured spots in the XI due to their integral roles in Arsenal's second-place finish. Saliba's impressive adaptation to the team's backline after returning from loan was marred by an injury toward the end of the campaign, which coincided with a dip in the Gunners' form. Odegaard showcased his leadership as the team's captain, contributing 15 goals and eight assists from a midfield position.
The defensive lineup also features Newcastle United's right-back, Kieran Trippier, who played every match in the Premier League, contributing seven assists and bolstering a defense that conceded a league-low 33 goals.
The sole exception from Manchester City and Arsenal in the XI is former Tottenham Hotspur standout Harry Kane, who has since joined Bayern Munich. Kane's 30 Premier League goals in 38 matches marked a career-best achievement before his transfer.
