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Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has retained the No. 1 position in The Athletic’s latest Premier League player rankings for the 2026-27 season.
The ranking, which assesses the division’s top 50 players using form, data and the observations of The Athletic writers Phil Hay and Tim Spiers, represents the second instalment of the publication’s monthly series.
The Athletic said the rankings would be updated every month throughout the 2026-27 campaign.
Haaland remained at the summit despite changes elsewhere in the top 10, while Arsenal had four players among the leading seven.
The list is based on The Athletic’s assessment and is therefore a subjective ranking rather than an official Premier League award or statistical classification.
Haaland Stays At No. 1
Haaland retained the top position from the previous edition.
The Athletic highlighted his continued goalscoring output and described his start to the campaign as consistent with his established performances for Manchester City.
The Norwegian striker has continued to score regularly under new manager Enzo Maresca, including in the Manchester derby.
The Athletic also referenced his winner against Manchester United while discussing the decision that allowed the goal to stand following a VAR controversy.
Despite the change in Manchester City’s coaching setup, Haaland remains at the top of the publication’s list.
The ranking noted that his performances have continued to provide City with a major attacking threat as the season progresses.
Gabriel Moves Into Second
Arsenal defender Gabriel climbed two places to No. 2, moving from fourth in the previous ranking.
The Athletic pointed to Arsenal’s defensive record during the opening weeks of the season as part of the reasoning behind his position.
Before Arsenal’s defeat to Brighton, the club had conceded only two goals across seven matches in four competitions, according to the ranking.
The publication also noted that Arsenal had recorded the Premier League’s best expected goals against figure at the time, with an xGA of 2.7.
Gabriel was described as an important part of that defensive performance.
Arsenal’s defeat at Brighton subsequently provided a setback, but Gabriel remained among the highest-ranked players in the latest list.
Declan Rice Remains Third
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice retained third position.
The Athletic highlighted Rice’s workload and his continued ability to contribute in both defensive and attacking areas of the pitch.
The publication described him as a central figure in Arsenal’s midfield and noted his ability to maintain high performance levels despite his extensive workload.
Rice was also given some rest after withdrawing from England’s squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures.
His position remained unchanged from the previous ranking.
Elliot Anderson Climbs To Fourth
Manchester City midfielder Elliot Anderson recorded one of the biggest improvements near the top of the ranking.
Anderson climbed six places, moving from 10th to fourth.
The Athletic pointed to the £116 million transfer fee involved in his move to Manchester City and his immediate adaptation to the team.
The ranking said City’s midfield would need more time to determine how much the team would miss Rodri, but identified Anderson, Enzo Fernandez and Ayyoub Bouaddi as midfield options available to Maresca.
Anderson was described as having already become an important part of City’s midfield structure.
His six-place rise makes him the highest climber inside the top five.
Bruno Fernandes Drops To Fifth
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes dropped three places, moving from second to fifth.
The Athletic described his start to the campaign as inconsistent, despite a standout performance against Ipswich that included three goals and an assist.
The publication said Fernandes had struggled to impose himself consistently across other matches.
However, it continued to identify him as Manchester United’s most influential player and linked the club’s prospects to his performances.
His fall from second to fifth represents one of the largest movements among the players who occupied the top five in the previous ranking.
Arsenal Dominate The Top Seven
Arsenal have four players inside the top seven.
Gabriel is second, Rice third, Bruno Guimaraes sixth and Bukayo Saka seventh.
Guimaraes retained sixth position, while Saka climbed two places from ninth.
The Athletic highlighted Saka’s three goals in Arsenal’s opening five Premier League matches, including the winner against Aston Villa.
The winger had also taken 15 shots during those five league games, according to the ranking.
Saka’s movement reflects the publication’s assessment of his improved start compared with his scoring record during the previous campaign.
Saliba Drops To Eighth
William Saliba dropped three places from fifth to eighth.
The Arsenal defender has been sidelined for an extended period, and The Athletic referenced Arsenal’s decision to sign Ezri Konsa for £50 million as evidence of the club’s response to his absence.
Konsa himself climbed eight places to 24th in the latest ranking.
The Athletic noted that Konsa’s performances had helped Arsenal cope with Saliba’s absence.
Raya Rises To Ninth
Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya climbed six places to ninth.
The Athletic highlighted several saves that had helped Arsenal during the early stages of the season.
His rise means Arsenal have five players inside the top nine.
The publication also pointed to Raya’s penalty save against Sunderland and his importance during difficult moments for Arsenal.
Cherki Enters Top 10
Manchester City midfielder Rayan Cherki completed the top 10 after climbing six places from 16th.
The Athletic highlighted his contribution against Bournemouth and Crystal Palace, including goals and assists.
Cherki’s movement into the top 10 makes him one of the biggest risers in the latest edition.
The publication acknowledged his inconsistency while also highlighting his technical ability and creativity.
Several players recorded notable movements elsewhere in the top 50.
Morgan Rogers made one of the biggest jumps, rising 12 places from 23rd to 11th.
Moises Caicedo dropped five places to 12th, while Enzo Fernandez rose four places to 13th.
Cole Palmer moved down one place to 14th, while Martin Odegaard recorded a 10-place rise to 15th.
Dominik Szoboszlai fell eight places to 16th, while Virgil van Dijk dropped five places to 17th.
Joao Pedro remained 18th, while Alexander Isak climbed two places to 19th.
Jeremy Doku stayed inside the top 20 but dropped one place to 20th.
Liverpool Players Record Mixed Movements
Liverpool have several players inside the top 50, but their positions changed considerably in the latest edition.
Isak moved from 21st to 19th, reflecting his four goals in his first five league appearances of the campaign, according to The Athletic.
Van Dijk fell from 12th to 17th.
Szoboszlai moved from eighth to 16th, while Florian Wirtz dropped from 11th to 23rd.
Alexis Mac Allister also slipped three places to 32nd.
Hugo Ekitike fell six places to 30th, while Cody Gakpo entered the ranking at 46th after recording three assists and one goal in his first five league appearances.
Full Top 10
The Athletic’s latest top 10 is:
Erling Haaland — Manchester City
Gabriel — Arsenal
Declan Rice — Arsenal
Elliot Anderson — Manchester City
Bruno Fernandes — Manchester United
Bruno Guimaraes — Arsenal
Bukayo Saka — Arsenal
William Saliba — Arsenal
David Raya — Arsenal
Rayan Cherki — Manchester City
The list is The Athletic’s editorial assessment and should not be interpreted as an official Premier League ranking.
With the publication updating its list monthly, the positions are expected to change as players’ form, availability and performances develop throughout the 2026-27 season.
For now, Haaland remains at the top, while Arsenal’s strong representation among the leading positions and significant movements from players including Anderson, Rogers, Odegaard and Cherki provide the main changes from the previous edition.
