Premier League Team of the Week: Gameweek 36

Week 36 of the 2025/26 Premier League season provided more drama, with Arsenal surviving a late VAR call to maintain their five-point lead.

Tottenham and Leeds conclude the round on Monday, but there has been plenty of excitement to get stuck into over the Premier League’s nine games played on Saturday and Sunday.

Here is our team of the week for Gameweek 36.

Goalkeeper – David Raya (Arsenal)

The furore following Arsenal’s 1-0 win over West Ham surrounded the late Hammers goal that was disallowed for a foul on David Raya.

It seemed to be the right call and overshadowed another fine showing, highlighted by his point-blank save from Mateus Fernandes.

That was one of three stops made by the Spaniard and his clean sheet at the London Stadium was his 18th of the season and confirmed the Golden Glove award for the third straight campaign.

Defender – Maxim De Cuyper (Brighton) 

Brighton made two changes for Wolves’ visit on Saturday and Maxim De Cuyper justified his inclusion with two assists inside the first five minutes.

The first from the left set up Jack Hinshelwood’s opener before he teed up Lewis Dunk from a corner.

De Cuyper also had a 94.2 per cent pass success rate in the 3-0 win and the left-back’s form could be a boon for Belgium heading into the World Cup.

Defender – Marco Senesi (Bournemouth)

Out of contract and seemingly set for a big move, Marco Senesi was again in charge at the back in Bournemouth’s 1-0 win at Fulham.

The Argentine’s ability to play forward has been a feature of the Cherries’ play, but his three fouls committed and two won show he isn’t afraid to get stuck into the physical stuff.

Defender – Lewis Dunk (Brighton) 

The Seagulls’ other player in the team of the week is captain Dunk, who made his first start since March 21 and crowned it with his first goal of the season.

Oscar Boscagli has done well in recent weeks but the skipper’s calm authority and willingness to take the ball under pressure are a big part of Brighton’s attempts to beat the opposition press in build-up play.

Midfielder – Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool) 

Brilliant last season but one of several Liverpool players who have struggled this time around, Ryan Gravenberch has found some form in the spring and scored an excellent goal in the 1-1 draw with Chelsea.

The Dutchman took the ball on the edge of the area before whipping home past Filip Jorgensen.

His hard work last season looks to have left him struggling for energy this time around but Gravenberch was back to his silky smooth best on Saturday.

Midfielder – Granit Xhaka (Sunderland)

There was little memorable about Saturday’s game at the Stadium of Light but Granit Xhaka’s performance in the 0-0 draw between Sunderland and Manchester United was typically assured.

The Swiss cruised around the field, winning all three of his tackles and completing 83.5 per cent of his 85 passes.

Xhaka also created a chance and continued his claim to being among the signings of the season.

Midfielder – Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest) 

A Newcastle academy product, Elliot Anderson always looks like he has a point to prove against the Magpies.

The midfielder grabbed the 88th-minute equaliser in their 1-1 draw, and he has been Forest’s ironman, with this his 55th appearance of the season.

It might be a parting gift, with Anderson expected to leave this summer, yet he remains a fan favourite at the City Ground.

Midfielder – Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea)

Another elite midfielder who could be set for a summer exit is Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez.

He has repeatedly mused about how nice it would be to live in Madrid, yet his form has really turned around since the change of manager in London.

Fernandez scored Chelsea’s goal at Liverpool, albeit his free-kick felt like a percentage play, but he backed it up with a 93.5 per cent passing success rate.

Forward – Jeremy Doku (Manchester City)

Another Belgian in flying form is Jeremy Doku, who scored in Manchester City’s 3-0 win over Brentford to maintain the club’s title hopes.

Doku deserves real credit for his development, and he now displays real control to go with his devastating dribbling.

City have become increasingly dependent on the darting winger, who seems to be getting better with every game.

Forward – Rayan (Bournemouth)

What a player Bournemouth have in January signing Rayan.

The Brazilian is among a crop of excellent youngsters assembled at the Vitality and his brilliant winner in their win at Fulham was his third goal in as many games.

Capped in March, Rayan may prove to be a real wildcard for the Selecao this summer. 

Forward – Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace)

Another player pushing for late inclusion for this summer’s showpiece, France’s Jean-Philippe Mateta netted Crystal Palace’s equaliser in Sunday’s 2-2 with Everton.

The Eagles again rotated after beating Shakhtar Donetsk on Thursday to reach the Conference League final and Mateta’s introduction on 65 minutes lifted the side.

He levelled the scores with a swept high finish from close range and while the 28-year-old’s performance wasn’t standout, his impact on his team’s play continues to be striking.