After a turbulent first half of the season, Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, was under increasing pressure to get the best out of his squad. The team had been inconsistent, with key players struggling to maintain form, and the absence of a few important figures had left a noticeable gap in the starting lineup. But the January transfer window offered a glimmer of hope for the North London club. With Arteta eager to strengthen his squad, Arsenal made several shrewd signings that would reshape the team’s fortunes for the second half of the season.
As the transfer window closed, Arteta unveiled his revamped starting XI, showcasing the new additions and a tactical shift. The biggest surprise, however, came with the exclusion of struggling winger **Nicolas Pépé**, a player who had been once regarded as one of the club’s most promising attacking talents. The Ivorian international, whose performances had been underwhelming for months, found himself relegated to the bench, despite his reputation and high-profile price tag.
Here’s how Arsenal’s starting XI looked after the January window:
**Formation: 4-2-3-1**
**Goalkeeper: Aaron Ramsdale**
Ramsdale continued to establish himself as one of the Premier League’s most reliable goalkeepers. His quick reflexes and command of the box kept him as the undisputed first-choice for Arteta.
**Right-back: Ben White**
White’s versatility was key, with Arteta opting for his steady defensive contributions and ability to push forward, forming a solid partnership with the right-winger ahead of him.