The first Premier League gameweek of 2026 is now behind us. Which teams were able to make a positive start to the new year?
For teams like Everton, Arsenal and Newcastle United, 2026 is off to a flyer – on the other hand, clubs such as Burnley, Nottingham Forest and Manchester United may be rethinking their new year’s resolutions. Who made it into the first Premier League team of the week of 2026?
GK: Jordan Pickford
Jordan Pickford doesn’t need to stake his claim at the World Cup for England – his place is already secure. Nevertheless, the Everton number one has still put in an almighty shift so far this season.
He made six saves en route to the Toffees’ victory over Nottingham Forest – the Trees simply couldn’t find a way beyond him.
RB: James Justin
James Justin had an awful lot of defensive work to do when Leeds United took on Liverpool, but he stepped up to the plate with aplomb.
He was everywhere on the right side of defence, making clever tackles and brave clearances to preserve Leeds’ clean sheet.
CB: Jaka Bijol
Justin wasn’t the only Leeds defender who deserves praise for their display against Liverpool – Jaka Bijol was similarly fantastic.
He cleared everything that came his way, bullying Liverpool’s attacking players and throwing himself at every ball that landed in the box.
CB: Nordi Mukiele
Nordi Mukiele’s performance was quite similar – he, too, had an unenviable task ahead of him as he sought to keep Manchester City at bay for Sunderland.
City are the highest scorers in the division by a considerable margin, but Mukiele used his physicality and defensive nous to fend off even Erling Haaland’s best efforts.