A smooth start to the year for Arsenal.

THE MOST INTENSE MONTH OF THE YEAR

Arsenal's recent 3-2 victory over Bournemouth in the 20th round of the Premier League was one of nine matches in January 2026. Naturally, this is the most demanding month, both testing the Gunners' mettle and providing an opportunity for observers to assess the resilience of the Premier League leaders.

It's also worth reiterating: "The King of Second Place," Arsenal, often leads the league for extended periods, only to drop to second place at crucial moments. Furthermore, the gap between their starting and reserve players has consistently been considered a major weakness, preventing Arsenal from achieving consistent form in recent seasons. The demanding schedule and depth of Arsenal's squad make them an interesting subject to watch during this period.

A smooth start to the year for Arsenal - Image 1.

Declan Rice (center) is playing well for Arsenal.

Photo: AFP

Between now and the end of the month, Arsenal will face Liverpool, Nottingham Forest, Manchester United, and Leeds in the Premier League; Chelsea in the first leg of the League Cup semi-final; Portsmouth in the FA Cup third round; and Inter Milan and Kairas in the Champions League. Mikel Arteta's team is still progressing well in all competitions, particularly with their perfect record of six wins in the Champions League and leading the Premier League table.

Of course, the top team is the number one contender for the title. That's also their most important goal. If Arsenal are strong enough and lucky, they could also aim for the FA Cup to complete a "double". The Champions League title is always the ultimate dream for any strong team in Europe. Conversely, the League Cup always seems the "easiest" contender. But it's the first title Arsenal could win this season. They need to give their all in the League Cup, because of its special importance. On one hand, Arsenal haven't won any titles this decade. On the other hand, the League Cup (if won) would be a morale boost, relieving all the pressure Arsenal have to contend with in the remaining tense months.

DECLANRICE BECAME AN ICON

Despite recently recovering from an injury and remaining uncertain until the last minute, Declan Rice ultimately completed his task with a crucial brace that helped Arsenal win against Bournemouth. Throughout his entire career, he has only scored one other brace (both goals from free kicks, against Real Madrid in the Champions League).

Manager Arteta has stated that, in his opinion, Rice is the best midfielder in the world right now. The problem is, as mentioned, he has only recently recovered from injury, meaning he's not yet in top form. So, how excellent and important would a "perfect Rice" be?

On the other hand, when a key player is injured, it's always a crucial detail that observers use to predict Arsenal will "disappoint" in recent seasons. The biggest difference Arsenal has shown this season is eliminating that characteristic. While everyone was praising Rice after the win against Bournemouth, Rice himself praised his teammate Martin Zubimendi. Leandro Trossard and Bukayo Saka only came on as substitutes. Eberechi Eze didn't even play a minute.

Arsenal's squad this season is so strong and balanced that anyone can be on or off the pitch without significantly impacting the results. That's why Rice's "historic double" is considered symbolic, as he wasn't even in manager Arteta's plans just days before. On one hand, Arteta can easily rotate the squad during a demanding schedule, and doesn't have to worry about key players being injured or suspended. On the other hand, opponents find it difficult to predict Arsenal's lineup before important matches.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/dau-nam-suon-se-cho-arsenal-185260104231539034.htm