The Guardian’s fans’ network on 2025-26 at the halfway stage: best games, worst setbacks, and their January window wish lists
Story so far It would be pretty churlish to be anything other than super-chuffed, with those displays over Bayern Munich and our neighbours among the highlights. But, as we know, there are no prizes for being top at Christmas. Our success so far has largely been due to our defensive resilience; it’s the most talented squad we’ve had in many a moon but we’ve only shone going forward in fits and spurts. Find that spark on a consistent basis and we really will be firing.
Happy with the manager? It’s no mean feat to maintain a contented squad with so many straining at the leash for game time. Supposedly it’s easy when you are winning, but you only have to see the turmoil elsewhere to appreciate Arteta’s efforts.
We will finish … Surely we’ve seen the back of our depressing sojourn as the bridesmaid? It’s time to be the bride. First.
What we need in January … Fresh legs never go amiss, but of more significance is the return from injury of Gabriel and Havertz. There will be plenty of interest in Bournemouth’s Semenyo, and Bayern’s Lennart Karl looks an exciting prospect, but frankly I’m more concerned with making the most of the players we already have. And with finding the formula that might unlock Gyökeres’s scoring potential.
