PITA’s Arsenal Player of the Month – January 2023

February couldn’t have begun much worse for Arsenal as they fell to just their second defeat of the Premier League season at Goodison Park.

Sean Dyche returned to the touchline to haunt the Gunners, with Everton’s triumph over the league leaders opening the door for Manchester City to close the gap ahead of their mammoth duel later this month.

While February has started sombrely, January was yet another bright period for Mikel Arteta’s side as the Spaniard was once again named Manager of the Month. But who starred on the pitch for the Gunners?

PITA’s Arsenal Player of the Month – January 2023

Here’s our Player of the Month award for January 2023.

3. Eddie Nketiah (Average rating – 6.8)

https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/1617946646054326272

Gabriel Jesus’ injury was supposed to send Arsenal’s campaign into a tailspin. Unfortunately, Eddie didn’t get the memo.

Nketiah has filled in superbly for Jesus up top and proven to be more prolific than the Brazilian. After he scored twice in the FA Cup against Oxford Utd, the striker’s crowning moment arrived at the Emirates as he bagged a late winner to sink Erik ten Hag’s Red Devils.

Nketiah scored four times in January with his goals ensuring Arsenal stayed on course in Jesus’ absence.

2. Martin Odegaard (Average rating – 7.33)

There was a period after Christmas where Odegaard was performing at a level unmatched by anybody else in the Premier League.

His stellar form continued into January as he starred in huge victories over Tottenham and Man Utd. However, a forgettable showing at home to Newcastle dragged his monthly rating down somewhat, meaning a teammate has pipped him to the post for our first POTM award of 2023.

1. Oleksandr Zinchenko (Average rating – 7.5)

https://twitter.com/afcstuff/status/1618261752562741248

That’s right, we’ve got a new winner, folks!

Injuries meant Zinchenko struggled to enjoy a sustained run in Mikel Arteta’s XI before the World Cup, but his form has been irresistible since.

His function within the Spaniard’s set-up is imperative and teams must make a concerted effort to slow the Ukrainian down in a bid to compromise the Gunners as a unit. Zinchenko’s the key spoke that makes everything tick, and he’s immediately endeared himself to Arsenal supporters. The former Manchester City star is already a firm fan favourite.

Zinchenko was excellent in the derby but his performance against United was arguably his best in an Arsenal shirt to date. His showing that day ensured he pipped Odegaard to become our January Player of the Month.