Another chaotic month of transfers drew to a close last month, leaving fans up and down the country wondering whether their team has done enough as they enter the latter stages of the Premier League season.

Chelsea were the busiest club at the top end of the league, most notably recruiting Mohamed Salah and Nemanja Matic. Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini opted not to sign anyone, instead putting his faith in the squad that he assembled during the summer. On recent form, it is hard to blame him. Many people have questioned Arsene Wenger’s inactivity however, with an injured Kim Kallstrom Arsenal’s only signing. Time will tell if the Gunners can end their nine-year wait for a trophy, with fixtures in the coming weeks looking particularly crucial. Manchester United secured the biggest deal with Juan Mata arriving from Chelsea for a record- breaking £37.1m. The Red Devils will hope that this can stimulate a challenge on the top four, with Champions League qualification considered a minimum requirement at Old Trafford. However, United’s loss to Stoke and late draw against Fulham highlighted weaknesses in defence and midfield, and time could slowly be running out for David Moyes.

Questions have been raised about United’s willingness to let Wilfried Zaha join strugglers Cardiff City on loan after he and fellow new signing Kenwyne Jones helped the Welsh side to a vital three points after their moves. The majority of teams around Cardiff have also been busy. Fulham have recruited the likes of Konstantinos Mitroglou and Lewis Holtby while Crystal Palace have added a whole host of names, including Tom Ince and Joe Ledley.

It is almost impossible to predict how the table will look at the end of the season following the January deals, which will contribute to an already vastly unpredictable campaign. Whatever happens, the run-in is sure to be entertaining.

Peter White

Image courtesy of Western Morning News