Arsenal are six points clear at the top of the Premier League after the first weekend of action in 2026 following a 3-2 win at Bournemouth and Manchester City's 1-1 draw with Chelsea.
The Gunners were made to work hard for their victory at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday as two goals from Declan Rice helped them see off the Cherries, while City then dropped points in their pursuit of the leaders at home to Chelsea on Sunday when Tijjani Reijnders’ opener was cancelled out late on by Enzo Fernandez.
At the bottom, Wolves finally got their first win of the season when they beat struggling West Ham at home 3-0.
Here is our team of the week for Gameweek 20.
Goalkeeper – Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa)
Aston Villa bounced back from their defeat at Arsenal by comfortably beating Nottingham Forest 3-1, but at one point in the second half the Tricky Trees looked like they might get something from the game.
However, Martinez made some crucial saves to deny Morgan Gibbs-White and Unai Emery’s side were able to wrap up another important victory after that.
Defender – Malick Thiaw (Newcastle)
A goal and a clean sheet for Thiaw as Newcastle eventually got the better of Crystal Palace at St James’ Park. The German defender now has three strikes for the Magpies following his summer move from AC Milan.
Defender – Lewis Miley (Newcastle)
Another Newcastle defender to shine against the Eagles, Miley provided the assist for Bruno Guimaraes’ opening goal and barely put a foot wrong all afternoon for Eddie Howe’s side.
Defender – Nathan Collins (Brentford)
Collins was a key figure for Brentford as they secured a fine 4-2 win at Everton on Sunday. The Republic of Ireland international put his side 2-0 up early in the second half and then got a late assist for Igor Thiago’s hat-trick goal.
Defender – Ben Davies (Tottenham)
Davies was a surprise starter for Tottenham, making just his third appearance of the season, but the experienced Welsh defender impressed, scoring in the first half against Sunderland.
He will have done his chances of keeping his place in Thomas Frank’s side going forward no harm at all.
Midfielder – Declan Rice (Arsenal)
Arsenal needed Rice to step up when they trailed early on at Bournemouth and the England international delivered – big time.
Rice scored twice in a league game for the first time in his career and was instrumental in midfield as the Gunners claimed another huge three points in their quest for the title.
Midfielder – John McGinn (Aston Villa)
McGinn also scored twice in Villa’s win over Forest as he continues to be the driving force in the middle of the park for Emery’s side, who remain very much in the title picture in third place in the table.
The Scotland international will be crucial in the second half of the season as Villa look to stay in contention at the top alongside Arsenal and Manchester City.
Midfielder – Mateus Mane (Wolves)
Wolves’ teen star Mane has risen to prominence in the past couple of games and he was outstanding throughout as Rob Edwards finally got his first win in charge.
The chances of Wolves avoiding relegation this season look remote due to their awful start but they appear to have unearthed a gem of a player in Mane, who won the penalty for his side’s second goal against West Ham before making it 3-0 before half-time.
Midfielder – Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle)
Newcastle skipper Guimaraes inspired Howe’s men in the second half, heading in the first goal against Palace with 20 minutes to go just as it looked like they could be frustrated at home.
Guimaraes has racked up seven goals and two assists in the league this season to underline just how important he is to the Magpies.
Forward – Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
Watkins had a slow start to the season and had to be content with a role on the bench at times as Villa surged up the table.
However, he has come alive over the busy winter period and his goal on Saturday was his fourth in three games on his 250th appearance for the club.
Forward – Igor Thiago (Brentford)
Thiago’s sensational season for Brentford continued as the Brazilian ended a six-game spell without a goal in stunning style by scoring a hat-trick against Everton.
The Brazilian has 14 goals in the top flight this term – only Erling Haaland has more – and if he displays the sort of ruthless finishing that was on show on Merseyside over the coming months then he could compete with the City ace in the battle for the Golden Boot.
