As the English top-flight prepares to return after the World Cup, GOAL picks the best combined XI from the opening months of the campaign
We've reached the (not-quite) halfway point of the 2022-23 Premier League, and as the English top-flight returns following the break for the World Cup, it's easy to forget some of the fascinating storylines that were being played out over the autumn.
Are Arsenal really title contenders? How are Newcastle already challenging for the top four? And is Erling Haaland a cyborg?
The season has also seen some new Premier League faces take the division by storm, while some of the more established names have taken their game to new heights.
GOAL has included a blend of both for our Team of the Season so far…
Getty ImagesGK: Nick Pope (Newcastle)
Newcastle could have easily stuck with Martin Dubravka this summer, who enjoyed a strong end to the 2021-22 season.
However, Burnley's relegation provided them with an golden opportunity to snap up one of the Premier League's most underappreciated goalkeepers at a knockdown price.
Since sealing his £10 million ($11.5m) move to St James' Park, Pope has helped the Magpies register one of the best defensive records in the Premier League.
He has also addressed a key criticism that has been levelled at him in recent years. In the past, Pope has been accused of being unable to play with his feet and sweep up long passes. However, this season, no goalkeeper comes close to the amount of defensive actions he's completed outside the penalty area. Just call him Nick Neuer.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesRB: Kieran Trippier (Newcastle)
Another example of Newcastle's smart recruitment since their takeover, Kieran Trippier just edges out the imperious Ben White for GOAL's Team of the Season so far.
The right-back has bounced back strongly from the metatarsal injury that saw him miss a decent portion of the previous campaign, notching goals and assists at a very impressive rate for a defender.
More than that, his experience and leadership have been vital in helping the Magpies see out several mightily-impressive results this season. He has also been handed the role of de-facto captain in the absence of Jamaal Lascelles.
Getty ImagesCB: William Saliba (Arsenal)
Arsenal fans had to wait an eternity to see William Saliba pull on the red shirt, and he has not hesitated in making up for lost time.
It is no exaggeration to say that the Frenchman has been the best defender in the league so far, combining near-perfection on the ball with a reading of the game the defies his relatively-tender years.
He's even chipped in with some goals, nodding home to make the breakthrough against Brentford and also adding some gloss to the scoreline in the Gunners' victory over Bournemouth.
Still only 21, the sky's the limit for Saliba, who is seeing his patience rewarded this season. And to think, there's was even talk of Arsenal parting ways with him in the not-so-distant past…
GettyCB: Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United)
Lisandro Martinez has only been in the Premier League for a matter of months, but his redemption arc is already complete.
After a sloppy display on his debut against Brighton, the pundits were quick to stick the knife in, with Jamie Carragher infamously quipping that short kings like him would never make it in England.
'The Butcher' did not let this negativity affect him though, and has since gone on to calm things down at the heart of the Manchester United defence.
He may not have been perfect since joining from Ajax, but the bouncebackability he's shown deserves massive credit.