Goalkeeper Jens Lehmann
Not at his peak after a wonderful second half of last season, perhaps because he has not had a regular foursome in front of him. Has conceded goals recently from set plays but class is permanent and Arsenal have no worries in this department.
The Premiership's best Petr Cech when fit. Now it is Edwin van der Sar, who is calm, makes great saves and uses the ball effectively.
Left-back Gael Clichy
Still finding his way in a problem position for Arsenal. Several players have been used there by Wenger but Clichy is the first genuine heir to Ashley Cole, who left in the summer. Bouncy on the turn and quick but has not yet got the strength that comes with playing consistently in the highest grade.
The Premiership's best Ashley Cole, returning to his best behind Chelsea's narrow diamond. Clichy is a fair way down the list.
Right-back Emmanuel Eboué
Powerful presence when going forward and improving all the time at understanding when to move upfield to support and when to get close to his centre-half to cover. Still re-establishing himself after injury but a real winner for Wenger's recruitment.
The Premiership's best Gary Neville, a slither ahead of Eboué. Experienced, steady and goes forward better than ever.
Centre-back Kolo Touré
Terrific defender with pace, presence and a naivety that can work to his advantage when he takes chances to break forward and catches opponents by surprise. Needs to play regularly with William Gallas, whose absence has interrupted a fruitful partnership.
The Premiership's best Touré gets the nod ahead of Ricardo Carvalho and Rio Ferdinand, both of whom are prone to the odd mistake.
Centre-back William Gallas
A great signing for Arsenal but we have not yet seen the best of him here. He was forced to play at left-back initially and needs a lengthy run with Touré in the centre of defence. Power, speed and heading ability make him an imposing figure.
The Premiership's best John Terry, with Gallas just a shade behind. Rarely goes to ground, strong tackler, never flustered and good on the ball.
Right midfield Alexander Hleb
Constantly improving with terrific industry and dribbling but the Belarussian needs more craft and combinations and lacks the goal output that Freddie Ljungberg and the now departed Robert Pires used to provide. Can be forced across field and then needs a galloping Eboué to take the space.
The Premiership's best Cristiano Ronaldo, a great dribbler who sustains his pace for 90 minutes and just needs calmer final passes.
Midfield Cesc Fábregas
May not have hit some of last season's high spots, when he was instrumental in the run to the Champions League final, but hindered by constant changes and needs to have Gilberto Silva alongside him. Finds space stealthily and uses the ball well, seeing short and long passes and can also shoot. Ability belies his age and size.
The Premiership's best Fábregas' all-round gifts and willingness to accept the ball whatever the situation get him the vote.
Midfield Gilberto Silva
Another who has not quite maintained last season's consistency. Has spells when his passing is loose but an unsung mainstay of the team. Appears to plod but has an uncanny sense of where the ball will drop and has aerial presence for a midfielder in both boxes.
The Premiership's best Claude Makelele, the ultimate windscreen wiper who lets the ball run across his body à la Trevor Brooking to open passing angles.
Midfield Tomas Rosicky
Slowly settling after summer move and will prove a plus for Arsenal but has suffered from erratic team selection and injury. Mobile, bright and busy, he is exciting going forward. Can beat players and has a right-foot thump that few can equal.
The Premiership's best Steven Gerrard, just ahead of Frank Lampard and Michael Essien, for his surges, goals, passing and powerful tackles.
Left midfield Robin van Persie
A consistent danger man during a difficult start by Arsenal's standards. Has a super left foot and body swerve, as well as pace and ingenuity that Dennis Bergkamp would appreciate. Often blocked and fouled and has to learn not to react. Will get stronger and better.
The Premiership's best Evergreen Ryan Giggs still leads the way. Prodigious workrate, takes on defenders and has improved his passing.
Striker Thierry Henry
Moody brilliance with great control at pace. Has turned so many games for Arsenal over the years that there is a danger they have become over-reliant on his magnificent goalscoring. Does not suffer selfish colleagues readily, as Jose Antonio Reyes found out.
The Premiership's best On this season's form Wayne Rooney gets it. Not the main scorer but his all-round game has affected more matches than Henry's has.
Manager Arsène Wenger
One of the English game's true managerial greats but has been hampered by injuries, suspensions and other factors that have prevented him putting together a regular team. I am not sure 4-5-1 is Arsenal's ideal set-up. A second striker would allow them to be a bit more direct at times.
The Premiership's best Sir Alex Ferguson, whose Manchester United have conceded the fewest goals, scored the most and won the most matches. His overall track record after 20 years in charge at Old Trafford is peerless, with honours including eight league titles and a European Cup.
