It would be right to say that the English Premier League always gives viewers a rollercoaster ride through each season. Nothing is ever certain and that was never more evident than in May 2016, when Leicester City were crowned champions, beating the big guns “ Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United to the top spot. This year, ‘order’ seems to be restored with Chelsea leading the way and Arsenal and others nipping at their heels, for the most part. It’s then, in January that clubs look to add someone to raise their game, supplement their midfield, attack or defense, or just replace an injured first teamer. Not many did this in the winter window. Manchester United sold a few, Manchester City picked up a young Brazilian who already scored. Arsenal sent a few young ones out on loan but no one did anything significant. Chelsea shuffled their squad around. So, are fans happy, satisfied or disgruntled?
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As a Manchester United supporter, I have mixed reactions to the window. I’m happy we sold Memphis Depay and Morgan Schneiderlin, both of whom were highly rated when they were bought 18 months ago but their Manchester United careers never took off. Disappointed we didn't purchase a midfield cover for Carrick as highly speculated. The current team does lack a bit of cutting edge upfront, due to which they cannot grind out victories. Due to this, I feel finishing in the top four will be extremely difficult and it will depend on how our other rivals perform. We are still in three cup competitions, including a final, so I'm hopeful that we can still end up with a trophy.
Brendon D’Souza, mechanical engineer
For Liverpool, I think this was the worst transfer window ever. We should have had decent back up to fill in for Joel Matip and Philippe Coutinho Coutinho’s injury, and Sadio Mane’s absence. With everyone back now I can't help but feel excited for the second half of the season especially after a disastrous January. A top four is definitely on the cards.
Conrad Barreto, mechanical engineer
We haven't had much of a transfer window this January with no first team signings. However Pep has managed to change our starting XI since mid-January and it has been working wonders. The front three of Raheem Sterling, Leroy Sane and Jesus Navas has been absolutely phenomenal with Yaya Toure and David Silva back to their best and even Vincent Kompany playing a whole 90 minutes. Don't forget players like Sergio Aguero and Fernandinho on the bench and quality players like Nolito and Kelechi Iheanacho not even getting a spot on the bench. I think our squad depth is perfect, if we can keep this running, we've got a great race in hand!
Akio Fernandes, student
First time in a long time Chelsea had no one joining then in a transfer window in fact we had the highest positive net spend in the whole of premier league because of Oscar sale. The lack of transfer activity was trust shown by the club and Conte on club’s loan system and academy. This is a very big shift in the club’s mentality for which I credit Conte for it. We brought back Ake, Musonda and Kennedy from loans to replace the outgoing players and also did not loan our youngsters out. I can trust the team we have to now win the premier league easily and go all out in summer transfer window to get our transfer targets.
Anjyot Talauliker, information security architect
Arsenal has done decent work in this transfer window and I am quite satisfied with it. Wasn’t expecting any big signings as it is difficult in January. Cohen Bramall looks a promising youngster. We have tied down our French players for few more years also Santi Cazorla and Per Mertesacker’s contracts have been extended by a year. Dimitri Payet was an option but we were well stocked with midfielders at that time. By the end of January we have lost many of our midfielders. Since Oxlade- Chamberlain and Maitland-Niles have been a revelation in the FA cup tie against Southampton, I can say we are on the edge. Any more red cards or injuries will hamper our growth in the EPL and CL. Title hopes are still alive just need Chelsea to slip few points.
Shreyas Simu, PhD research scholar
After last year’s very unexpected win , Leicester City are back where they always belong. We have always been known as a yo-yo club; getting relegated to the first division and then back after promotion to the premier league. Even with the transfer window, there is a real possibility of Leicester getting relegated and that would cap an astonishing year of ups and downs in sports.
Marius Fernandes, cultural activist
