It comes as no surprise that the transfer market has remained active following the first round of the new English Premier League season last weekend. Arsenal was humiliated 3-1 at home by Aston Villa, suffering their first home defeat on the opening day of the season in 20 years. With four more first team players joining an already substantial injury list, Arsène Wenger will be struggling to field 11 players for the crucial game against Fenerbahçe in the Champions League playoffs. No wonder Arsenal desperately bid £10 million for Newcastle United’s French midfielder Yohan Cabaye on Monday – an offer which was instantly turned down. Given their current predicament, the Gunners’ ambition in the transfer market will almost certainly decide how far they can go this season.
Arsenal fans have lost patience with the club in the transfer market
Manchester United beat Swansea 4-1 at Liberty Stadium, a game won with ease although there was still some evidence of problems in the Red Devils’ squad. They lack creativity in the midfield with Tom Cleverley the only notable mature attacking midfielder. David Moyes again had Robin Van Persie to thank with the Dutchman scoring two spectacular goals.
United was another side dipping their toes back into the transfer market on Monday with a joint £28 million bid for Everton’s Leighton Baines and Marouane Fellaini. The price on offer was way below what the Toffees expected and was turned down quickly but that hasn’t cooled United’s interest with further bids expected in the coming days as Moyes looks to bolster his squad before the closing day on 2 September.
José Mourinho brings happiness back to Stamford Bridge
Conversely, those clubs which attacked the transfer market early showed much more stability with Chelsea and Manchester City both registering easy wins on the opening day. Frank Lampard and Oscar both scored to ensure José Mourinho’s return to Stamford Bridge was a memorable one against Hull City. And City’s new manager Manuel Pellegrini witnessed a special night as the Sky Blues comprehensively beat Newcastle 4-0 at home.
The other big guns, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool, also grabbed full points from the first round. Daniel Sturridge scored the very first goal of the new season to help the Reds beat Stoke City 1-0 at Anfield. There were some nervous moments when Stoke was granted a penalty for Daniel Agger’s handball in the box but the Reds’ new goalkeeper Simon Mignolet produced a spectacular save. It was the Reds’ first win on the opening day in five years. Likewise it was a new recruit that made the difference for Tottenham with Roberto Saldado converting a penalty to beat Crystal Palace 1-0 at Selhurst Park.
