Halfway there: Who are the Premier League shining lights and fan frustraters so far?

Why we were mad to have ever doubted Haaland, Xhaka and Le Bris winning admirers on the Wear and Neville and Cates dominating the airwaves...

DOUBT ME NOW: Manchester City's Erling Haaland and Phil Foden following the Premier League match at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester. Picture date: Saturday December 20, 2025. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Martin Rickett/PA Wire

Best Player: Erling Haaland 

Oh, how did we ever doubt him? Such is the Norwegian’s talent that critics suggested scoring ‘only’ 22 goals last season, in a faltering campaign for Manchester City, was a poor return that left question marks over his genius. There were even suggestions that his all-round game was lacking (and, in fairness, Pep Guardiola hinted at it, too).