The new Premier League season is now in full swing, and so is the title race, with Manchester City not having things all their own way after a strong opening few weeks of the campaign in their pursuit of a record-breaking fourth consecutive title.

Despite back-to-back defeats prior to the international break, Pep Guardiola's side sit second in the table after nine matches, with Erling Haaland's continued brilliance in front of goal making him a front-runner to defend his Premier League Player of the Season crown from 2022-23.

City, though, do not look like running away with their own title defence, with Arsenal, Liverpool and a rejuvenated Tottenham side all having made hot starts after some smart transfer business. Aston Villa also look capable of a push towards the top of the league under Unai Emery, who is rivalling Guardiola as the most astute tactician in European football right now.

A number of summer signings have hit the ground running at their new clubs, while certain players have benefitted from a managerial change or improved injury situation to rediscover their best form or reach an even higher level. And with Manchester United and Chelsea both enduring disappointing starts to the season, more than a few surprise contenders for Haaland's throne have emerged.

GOAL has rated the best performers so far to figure out who should be the frontrunners for the 2023-24 Player of the Season award...

Previous update: September 19, 2023.