in the top flight
At the top level or rank of a larger group or set. Used especially in reference to football (soccer). Primarily heard in UK. The underdog team is trying to secure their fourth consecutive win in the top flight, in what has been one of the most remarkable seasons for a team in recent memory.
in the first/top ˈflight
among the best of a particular group: Everybody hopes that the new manager will be able to keep the team in the top flight next year.