With over half the season done and dusted in the Premier League, Liverpool finally suffered their first defeat of the season at the hands of defending champions Manchester City.
It looks like the title race may go down to the wire with Tottenham Hotspur growing in confidence as the season is progressing.
It has been an enthralling season and Sports Social takes a look at the best eleven in the opening half of the 2018/19 campaign.
Formation: 4-3-3
Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker (Liverpool)
With each passing game, Alisson is proving to be worth the money. Signed for a record €73m, Alisson has kept more clean sheets than other goalkeepers in the first half of the Premier League. The Brazilian boasts the best save success ratio in Europe's top five leagues this season. He may have had a few blips here and there but nothing has proven to be costly thus far.
Right-back: Matt Doherty (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
The Irish right-back has been one of the most attacking defenders this season with three goals and four assists in his 21 starts. Reliable full-backs are rare and free-scoring full-backs even rarer, so it is only a matter of time before the bigger clubs come calling.
Centre-back: Virgil Van Dijk (Liverpool)
Along with Alisson, Van Dijk deserves all the credit for Liverpool's rock solid defence this season. The Dutchman has undoubtedly been the best centre-back in the league while some may say he is the best in Europe right now. Commanding in the air and confident on the ball, Van Dijk's presence in defence may cause nightmares for opposition strikers. On present form, he seems to be a €75m bargain in the current market.
Centre-back: Aymeric Laporte (Manchester City)
The Frenchman's composure on the ball makes him rotation-free in this City squad. Laporte has seen more minutes than any other player (except Ederson) in the City squad. He is ranked second behind Jorginho for most passes completed in the first half of the season. It took him 24 games to taste his first defeat in the Premier League. Remarkably, both Van Dijk and Laporte were signed in the January window last year.
Left-back: Andrew Robertson (Liverpool)
Another Liverpool player in the squad and why wouldn't he make it? Robertson’s rise as one of the best left-backs in England has been a surprise to many. Broke into the squad last season after his transfer from Hull City, Robertson hasn't looked back since.
Four assists to his name already and earning praises for his performances, if Liverpool do manage to win the league, Robertson will be their unsung hero.
Central defensive midfield: Lucas Torreira (Arsenal)
One of the best signings of the season. Torreira was eased into action by Unai Emery after his exploits in the World Cup and has never looked back since.
Exceptional work rate and defensive abilities, Torreira is the midfielder Arsenal have been crying out for years. At 22, things are only going to get better.
Right central midfield: Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)
Kevin De Bruyne has struggled with injuries this season. Did City miss him? Up stepped Bernardo Silva. The young Portuguese put in a lung-busting display against Liverpool and was instrumental in handing The Reds their first loss of the season.
With five goals and six assists, he has been the perfect replacement for KDB and it'd be unfair to see him benched once the Belgian is match-fit.
Left central midfield: David Silva (Manchester City)
Third and final City player in the list. Silva was recently voted as the greatest Spanish player ever to play in the Premier League and why wouldn't he be? He has been one of the most consistent players for City and this season has been no different.
He has chipped in with six goals in 17 games and has been one of the best players in Pep's squad. With KDB and Fernandinho both fit, it's time to see City's fab three in action for the first time this season.
Left-wing: Eden Hazard (Chelsea)
With 10 goals and 10 assists to his name, he has joined Lionel Messi as the only two players to have double figures in strikes and assists halfway into the season.
Under Maurizio Sarri, Hazard is having his most productive season till date and is on course to beat his league-best of 16 goals in the 2016/17 season.
Hazard still has a lot to give and Chelsea will be depending on their talisman for a top-four finish.
Right-wing: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Critics called him a “one season wonder” after his slow start to the season. The Egyptian has netted in 14 goals so far and is in the lead for the Premier League Golden Boot. Not a one season wonder anymore, is he?
With Liverpool's defence finally looking solid and with Salah banging in goals up front, Liverpool fans have every right to believe that this year may finally be theirs.
Striker: Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur)
Another player with 14 goals and tied with Salah for the golden boot. Spurs are having their best start ever in the Premier League and much of it is owed to their leading man Harry Kane.
Kane has found his goalscoring touch in recent weeks after a slow start to the season. It was a tough call between him and Arsenal's Aubemeyang but we have gone ahead with the Englishman due to his performances in the big games and consistency.
