Arsenals Month in Review January – Key Highlights, Stats & Analysis
Arsenals Month in Review – a month of highs, lows, and defining moments for Mikel Arteta’s side. As the Gunners battled through the winter fixture congestion, we saw crucial wins, frustrating slip-ups, and plenty of talking points both on and off the pitch. From standout individual performances to tactical shifts, January provided a clearer picture of Arsenal’s strengths and weaknesses heading into the second half of the season.
In this deep dive, we’ll analyse Arsenal’s results, top performers, transfer window activity, and what lies ahead for the team. Were the Gunners able to maintain their title challenge? Did new signings bolster the squad? Let’s break it all down.
Match Results & Performance Review
January was a month filled with crucial fixtures that tested Arsenal’s resilience across multiple competitions. While the Gunners showed moments of brilliance, inconsistency in front of goal and defensive lapses prevented them from maximizing their points tally. Here’s a breakdown of Arsenal’s results and key takeaways:
🔴 Arsenal’s January Results
| Date | Competition | Fixture | Result | Goalscorers | Key Takeaways |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | Premier League | Brentford vs Arsenal (A) | ✅ 3-1 W | Gabriel Jesus, Mikel Merino, Gabriel Martinelli | Strong comeback after early setback; attacking prowess showcased. |
| Jan 4 | Premier League | Brighton vs Arsenal (A) | 🤝 1-1 D | Ethan Nwaneri | Early lead squandered; controversial penalty decision. |
| Jan 7 | Carabao Cup Semi-Final | Arsenal vs Newcastle (H) | ❌ 0-2 L | – | Dominated possession but lacked finishing; defensive lapses. |
| Jan 12 | FA Cup 3rd Round | Arsenal vs Man United (H) | ❌ 1-1 L (3-5 on pens) | Gabriel Magalhães | Missed opportunities; eliminated on penalties after extra time. |
| Jan 15 | Premier League | Arsenal vs Tottenham (H) | ✅ 2-1 W | Leandro Trossard, Own Goal (Dominic Solanke) | Comeback victory in North London Derby; reignited title hopes. |
| Jan 18 | Premier League | Arsenal vs Aston Villa (H) | 🤝 2-2 D | Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz | Squandered two-goal lead; defensive frailties exposed. |
| Jan 22 | UEFA Champions League | Arsenal vs Dinamo Zagreb (H) | ✅ 3-0 W | Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, Martin Ødegaard | Dominant performance; early goal set the tone; Havertz matched last season’s goal tally. |
| Jan 25 | Premier League | Wolves vs Arsenal (A) | ✅ 1-0 W | Riccardo Calafiori | Resilient win despite controversial red card; Calafiori’s impactful return. |
| Jan 29 | UEFA Champions League | Girona vs Arsenal (A) | ✅ 2-1 W | Jorginho, Ethan Nwaneri | Secured progression to the knockout stages; maintained momentum in Europe. |
Key Observations:
- Resilience in Adversity: Despite facing challenges such as controversial officiating and injuries, Arsenal demonstrated determination, particularly in their away fixtures.
- Defensive Concerns: The team struggled with maintaining leads and conceded goals due to defensive lapses, highlighting areas needing improvement.
- Attacking Potential: Young talents like Ethan Nwaneri showcased their promise, contributing significantly in crucial matches.
As Arsenal progresses into February, addressing defensive vulnerabilities and capitalizing on attacking opportunities will be crucial for maintaining momentum in both domestic and European competitions.
Standout Players of the Month ⭐
January 2025 was a pivotal month for Arsenal, with several players delivering exceptional performances across various competitions.
🏆 Player of the Month: Ethan Nwaneri
- Stats: 2 Goals
- Why he stood out: At just 17, Nwaneri showcased remarkable composure and technical ability, becoming the first Arsenal player to score more than once in the Premier League before turning 18.
- Key moments: Scored the opening goal against Brighton on January 4, and netted a decisive goal in the UEFA Champions League match against Girona on January 29, securing Arsenal’s progression to the knockout stages.
🔥 Other Notable Performers:
- Myles Lewis-Skelly – The 18-year-old had a very impressing January, displaying maturity and defensive prowess. Despite a controversial red card against Wolves on January 25, his overall contributions have been commendable.
- Gabriel Magalhães – The Brazilian centre-back remained a defensive stalwart, providing leadership and stability at the back. His consistent performances were crucial, especially during tightly contested matches.
- Martin Ødegaard – As captain, Ødegaard orchestrated the midfield with vision and precision, contributing significantly to Arsenal’s attacking play and maintaining control in crucial games.
- Jurrien Timber – Timber showcased his versatility by effectively covering multiple defensive positions. His solid performances, including a notable display against Wolves on January 25, have been instrumental in bolstering Arsenal’s defence.
Tactical Analysis 📊
January 2025 presented tactical challenges and adjustments for Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, as the team navigated injuries, suspensions, and a packed fixture schedule. While Arsenal continued to dominate possession and control games through structured build-up play, the lack of attacking options due to injuries to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus meant that finishing chances became a recurring issue.
Build-Up Play & Midfield Control
Arsenal maintained their signature possession-based approach, utilizing an inverted full-back role to create overloads in midfield. However, with Martin Ødegaard missing games due to illness, the team’s creative spark suffered. Declan Rice and Mikel Merino were deployed in more advanced roles to compensate, but Arsenal lacked the same incisiveness in breaking down low blocks.
High Pressing & Defensive Resilience
Despite injury concerns, Arsenal’s pressing game remained aggressive, especially in the North London Derby against Tottenham (2-1 win). The front line worked hard to force turnovers high up the pitch, leading to key goal-scoring opportunities. Defensively, Arsenal conceded only four goals in five league games, demonstrating their ability to absorb pressure. William Saliba’s brief injury absence, however, forced tactical adjustments, with Gabriel and Jakub Kiwior stepping up.
The 1-0 win over Wolves on January 25 was a testament to Arsenal’s defensive organization. Despite being reduced to 10 men following Myles Lewis-Skelly’s controversial red card (later overturned), Arsenal held firm. David Raya played a key role, making crucial saves to secure the win.
Attacking Struggles & Lack of Depth
With Gabriel Jesus injured long-term and Saka also sidelined, Arsenal lacked attacking depth. Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli carried the burden, but the absence of a true No. 9 saw the team struggle against deeper defences. A lack of a January signing to address this issue has frustrated fans, as Arsenal continues to rely on a depleted forward line.
Disciplinary Concerns & PGMOL Controversy
Arsenal’s disciplinary issues added to their challenges. The Lewis-Skelly red card against Wolves, which was overturned on appeal, led to frustration among fans. The situation escalated when PGMOL initially defended the decision, only for the FA to later fine Arsenal for “failing to control their players” after they surrounded the referee. Many fans saw this as a retaliatory move from the authorities, increasing tensions over officiating decisions.
January Transfer Window Update 🔄
January 2025 saw Arsenal actively pursuing reinforcements to strengthen their squad amidst injuries and squad depth concerns. However, the Gunners faced setbacks in securing their primary targets while still exploring potential late deals before the window closes.
Rejected Bid for Ollie Watkins
Arsenal had a £60 million bid rejected by Aston Villa for striker Ollie Watkins, as Unai Emery’s side remains firm on keeping their star forward. With Gabriel Jesus sidelined due to an ACL injury and Kai Havertz struggling for form, Arsenal is keen on adding attacking reinforcements but will need to reassess their approach in securing a new striker.
Potential Hijack of Mathys Tel Deal
Another forward Arsenal has set their sights on is Mathys Tel, with the Gunners monitoring the situation closely after Tottenham had a £60 million bid accepted by Bayern Munich. While Spurs are currently leading the race, Arsenal is considering a late move to hijack the deal, as Tel remains undecided on his future. With the young French forward open to a move to the Premier League, Arsenal could swoop in before the deadline to bolster their attacking options.
Pursuit of Sverre Nypan
The Gunners are in advanced discussions to sign 18-year-old Norwegian midfielder Sverre Nypan from Rosenborg. Despite competition from Man City and other European clubs, Arsenal is hopeful of securing the talented playmaker, who has drawn comparisons to Martin Ødegaard for his vision and creativity.
Interest in Nico Williams
Arsenal has also been linked with Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, with reports suggesting they are prepared to meet his £48.5 million release clause. However, they face competition from many top teams, who are also interested in signing the Spanish international. Williams’ potential arrival could provide much-needed depth, particularly with Bukayo Saka’s injury concerns.
Exploring Striker Options
Following the setback in their pursuit of Watkins, Arsenal has also initiated contact with RB Leipzig for Benjamin Šeško, who could be available for around £70 million. Additionally, Juventus‘ Dušan Vlahović and Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyökeres remain on Arsenal’s radar as potential striking reinforcements before the deadline.
Departures
Arsenal sanctioned Marquinhos’ loan move to Cruzeiro, where the young Brazilian winger will play until December 2025 in search of regular first-team football.
With just days remaining in the window, Arsenal is expected to remain active in the market as they look to finalize key additions and strengthen their squad for the second half of the season.
Key Talking Points & Off-the-Pitch Updates 📰
January 2025 has been a challenging period for Arsenal, marked by significant injuries, transfer market frustrations, disciplinary controversies, and tensions with officiating bodies.
Injury Woes Deepen
The Gunners have been severely impacted by injuries to key players:
- Bukayo Saka: The dynamic winger underwent hamstring surgery in December 2024 and is not expected to return until March 2025.
- Gabriel Jesus: The Brazilian forward suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury during the FA Cup match against Manchester United on January 12, 2025, ruling him out for the remainder of the season.
- William Saliba: The stalwart defender missed recent fixtures due to a muscular injury, with reports suggesting a potential return in early February.
- Takehiro Tomiyasu: The versatile defender has managed only six minutes of action this season following a knee injury, and his return date remains unclear.
- Ben White: The dependable right-back has been sidelined throughout January due to a knee injury, but he is nearing a comeback following surgery.
These absences have left Arsenal’s defensive and attacking options depleted, intensifying the need for reinforcements.
Transfer Market Frustrations
Despite manager Mikel Arteta’s public appeals for new signings to bolster the squad, Arsenal has yet to secure any additions. A £60 million bid for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins was rejected, and while the club is exploring alternatives, no deals have been finalized as the transfer window deadline approaches.
Fans have expressed growing frustration over the lack of attacking reinforcements, especially given the team’s injury struggles.
Lewis-Skelly’s Red Card Controversy
On January 25, 2025, 18-year-old midfielder Myles Lewis-Skelly was controversially sent off during a match against Wolverhampton Wanderers for a foul on Matt Doherty. The decision, deemed harsh by many, was upheld by VAR, deemed as a correct decision by PGMOL leading to a three-match ban. Arsenal successfully appealed, resulting in the ban being overturned by An independent regulatory commission.
However, the Football Association subsequently charged Arsenal for failing to control their players, who had surrounded the referee following the red card incident. This sequence of events has led to widespread criticism of the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), with fans perceiving the charge as retaliatory.
Contract Talks with Lewis-Skelly
In positive news, Arsenal is reportedly in discussions to secure Myles Lewis-Skelly on a long-term contract, aiming to retain the promising talent amid interest from other clubs.
As the season progresses, Arsenal faces the dual challenges of navigating on-field adversities and managing off-field controversies, all while striving to maintain their competitive edge.
Arsenal in the Premier League Table 📈
As of January 31, 2025, Arsenal sits in 2nd place in the Premier League, keeping themselves firmly in the title race but with work to do if they want to close the gap on league leaders Liverpool. The Gunners have been consistent throughout the season, boasting one of the league’s best defensive records, but recent injuries have put additional strain on the squad. With several teams close behind, Arsenal must maintain momentum to secure their place in the title race and ensure a top-four finish.
🔴 Premier League Standings (Top 10) as of Jan 31, 2025
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | GF | GA | GD | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Liverpool | 22 | 16 | 5 | 1 | 54 | 21 | +33 | 53 |
| 2nd | Arsenal | 23 | 13 | 8 | 2 | 44 | 21 | +23 | 47 |
| 3rd | Nottingham Forest | 23 | 13 | 5 | 5 | 33 | 27 | +6 | 44 |
| 4th | Manchester City | 23 | 12 | 5 | 6 | 47 | 30 | +17 | 41 |
| 5th | Newcastle United | 23 | 12 | 5 | 6 | 41 | 27 | +14 | 41 |
| 6th | Chelsea | 23 | 11 | 7 | 5 | 45 | 30 | +15 | 40 |
| 7th | AFC Bournemouth | 23 | 11 | 7 | 5 | 41 | 26 | +15 | 40 |
| 8th | Aston Villa | 23 | 10 | 7 | 6 | 34 | 35 | -1 | 37 |
| 9th | Brighton & Hove Albion | 23 | 8 | 10 | 5 | 35 | 31 | +4 | 34 |
| 10th | Fulham | 23 | 8 | 9 | 6 | 34 | 31 | +3 | 33 |
📊 Key Observations
Arsenal remains firmly in the Premier League title race, but with Liverpool six points ahead, the Gunners cannot afford to drop points in crucial upcoming fixtures. While their defence has been a standout strength, conceding just 21 goals (joint-best in the league), the lack of attacking firepower due to injuries has been a growing concern. The January transfer window failed to bring in a much-needed striker, putting extra pressure on the current squad to maintain their form.
Behind them, Nottingham Forest, Manchester City, and Newcastle are all within touching distance, meaning Arsenal must remain consistent to avoid slipping down the table. With key players like Saka, Jesus, Saliba, Tomiyasu, and White all recovering from injuries, February will be a defining month in determining whether Arsenal can maintain their momentum and truly challenge for the title.
With the season approaching its final stretch, every match will be crucial. Can Arsenal close the gap on Liverpool, or will their lack of squad depth prove costly? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! 🏆🔴⚪
Looking Ahead to February 🔜
February 2025 is set to be a defining month for Arsenal, with crucial fixtures in the Premier League and the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg. With injuries still affecting key players and the January transfer window failing to deliver much-needed reinforcements, the squad will need to step up to keep the title challenge alive and overturn their deficit in the cup.
📅 Upcoming Fixtures
| Date | Competition | Fixture | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 2 | Premier League | Arsenal vs Manchester City (H) | A crucial clash against a direct title rival. A must-win game to close the gap. |
| Feb 5 | Carabao Cup SF 2nd Leg | Newcastle vs Arsenal (A) | Arsenal trails 2-0 on aggregate and needs a massive turnaround to reach the final. |
| Feb 15 | Premier League | Leicester vs Arsenal (A) | A tricky away game against a side fighting for survival. |
| Feb 22 | Premier League | Arsenal vs West Ham (H) | A London derby where three points are essential to stay in the title race. |
| Feb 26 | Premier League | Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal (A) | Forest is in strong form, making this a potential banana-skin fixture. |
🏥 Injury Updates & Squad Concerns
Arsenal continues to battle injuries to some of their most important players, further stretching the squad depth:
- Bukayo Saka (Hamstring) – Out until March potentially mid to late February, leaving Arsenal without their key winger.
- Gabriel Jesus (ACL) – Out for the season, forcing Arteta to rely on Martinelli, Trossard, and Havertz.
- William Saliba (Muscle issue) – Missed games in January but is expected to be at full fitness for the Man City game.
- Ben White & Takehiro Tomiyasu (Knee injuries) – Both defenders were sidelined for all of January but should be nearing a return.
Arsenal’s depth has been tested, especially in attack, and with no signings completed so far in the winter window, Arteta must maximize his squad options to compete on all fronts.
⚔️ Carabao Cup Semi-Final: Can Arsenal Complete a Comeback?
Arsenal heads into the second leg against Newcastle on February 5 trailing 2-0 on aggregate after a disappointing first leg at the Emirates. With a place in the final at stake, the Gunners must produce a massive turnaround at St. James’ Park.
- Key to victory: Arsenal must start fast, pressing high and creating early chances.
- Players to watch: Martinelli & Trossard – Both will be relied upon heavily in attack with Jesus still out.
- Defensive caution: Newcastle will look to counter, meaning Arsenal can’t afford to concede first.
📝 The Importance of February
With Liverpool leading the title race, Arsenal must keep winning if they want to stay in contention. The Manchester City clash will be crucial, and with other top-four sides closing in, there is little room for dropped points.
Additionally, the lack of new signings has left fans frustrated, especially with attacking depth still an issue. This month will test the squad’s resilience, and how Arsenal performs in these next few games could define their season.
Will Arsenal keep their title hopes alive? Can they pull off a stunning comeback in the Carabao Cup? February will provide the answers. 🔴⚪
Final Thoughts 🎤
January was a month filled with highs and lows for Arsenal, as the Gunners fought to keep their title challenge alive while dealing with key injuries, tactical challenges, and off-the-field controversies. The North London Derby victory and defensive resilience in tight games were positives, but frustrating FA Cup elimination, a lack of attacking depth, and the failure to secure reinforcements in the transfer window left concerns heading into February.
With Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, and William Saliba missing matches, Arsenal’s squad depth was stretched, forcing Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli to take on greater attacking responsibility. The lack of a clinical finisher in key moments hurt the team, a concern that has not so far been addressed in the January window, much to the frustration of fans.
Off the pitch, the PGMOL controversy surrounding Myles Lewis-Skelly’s red card and Arsenal’s subsequent fine added further frustration, as did the continued lack of striker reinforcements. The club’s rejected £60 million bid for Ollie Watkins showed intent, but ultimately, no deal materialized, leaving Arsenal with limited attacking options for the crucial months ahead if they cant strike a deal by Monday.
February presents a make-or-break period, with Arsenal needing big performances against Manchester City in the league and an overturned deficit against Newcastle in the Carabao Cup semi-final to stay competitive in multiple competitions. With Liverpool leading the title race, the Gunners must maintain consistency, sharpen their finishing, and hope key players return from injury soon.
The season is far from over, and while Arsenal has endured a challenging January, the title race, Champions League push, and domestic ambitions remain alive. How Mikel Arteta manages his squad in February could define the rest of the season.
Can Arsenal bounce back stronger and prove their title credentials? Let us know your thoughts below! 🔴⚪